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The Life of Vi

By Violet Elaine Thomas

Finding the good during COVID-19

May 9, 2020 · Faith

Times are hard right now. Many people have lost their jobs, some are fighting on the frontlines, and others are getting cabin fever while being at home. Regardless of what shoes you’re in, I think we can all say we are experiencing some hardships.

Personally, I haven’t had to stay home for longer than a few days at a time due to working in a hospital, but I feel for all of you that have been home for weeks now. With my husband being deployed, raising my newborn son alone, and working part-time during the middle of a pandemic, everything started to feel heavy.

I felt guilty for being sad because so many others were going through things far worse than I was. I hadn’t lost my job, I got to spend time with my son, and stay cozy in my home, so why was I feeling so low? It took me a few weeks to realize that I was starting to slip into postpartum depression. It felt like I was being consumed by the realization that I was alone during this time. My family lives 14 hours away, my husband is over seas, and your friends legally aren’t allowed to come over to help because of the ‘Stay at Home’ order.

I was going to work a few times a week and every time I left, I dreaded it. I was spending 13 hours away from my brand new baby and my heart broke a little more with every shift. Emotionally, I just wasn’t ready to go back to work. With everyone losing their jobs due to the pandemic, it felt like I should’ve been relieved to still have mine. That burden stayed with me for weeks. I shouldn’t have done that to myself because what I was feeling was valid. It still is.

The point of this is, regardless of the position you are in, your struggles are valid. Let me repeat that… Your struggles ARE valid.

Instead of carrying that guilt, I decided it was time to free myself of unnecessary burdens. So, for now, I will be soaking up the extra time I have with Henry Duke and finding joy in the midst of pain. Here are some tips that have been helpful for me in order to find the good during COVID-19.

  1. As soon as you wake up, name the things that you are thankful for. This has really helped me keep things in perspective. Mine goes a little like this: “Thank you God for my family, my job, and a safe place to live. I’m grateful for my good health, the food in my fridge, and the extra snuggle sessions with my pups.” Whatever it is that you are thankful for, remind yourself of it.
  2. Write down a list of things you hope to accomplish today. Keep it short and sweet! I felt like all of my days were running together and that I was getting nothing done which left me feeling useless. I found that doing this everyday has helped me look back on all that I had accomplished. Plus, nothing feels better than crossing off something on my to-do list! Here is an example of what my list was like: “Make the bed, take the dogs for a walk, make breakfast, pump for 20 minutes, shower, do a devotion, fold laundry.” Even though these tasks are simple, I felt much more productive knowing that these things are what I wanted to conquer each day.
  3. If you feel up for it, get ready for the day. This doesn’t always mean putting on nice clothes, doing your hair and makeup, and going out. For me, I will wash my face, brush my teeth, comb my hair, and put on some fresh clothes, even if it’s just a clean t-shirt and shorts. This is a simple way for me to feel like I’m slightly more put together.
  4. Get outside! This was one of the biggest factors that helped me get away from PP depression. It’s so nice to feel the warmth of the sunshine on your skin while staying safe during these times. Staying inside for too long makes me go stir crazy, so getting some fresh air is crucial to my sanity.
  5. Moving my body, whether it’s going on a walk or working out, has been essential for me in order to feel grounded and strong. Being active is known to improve your mental health by reducing anxiety and depression. This is huge at any time in your life, but especially now with social distancing in place.
  6. Lastly, allow yourself to deeply process the emotions you are having. Give yourself some grace, sis! Things are hard and it’s okay to not be okay. Cry it out, eat some comfort food, and do what makes you feel better. Remind yourself that this is just a season of your life and that these hardships will pass. Even if you don’t believe it right now, they WILL! I don’t say this to dismiss your feelings of fear or stress, but just to offer comfort if you’re feeling like this will last forever.

Everyone is different and has their own methods of coping with hardships. I hope that you have found this to be helpful and encouraging. If you would like me to pray for you, please leave a comment down below so I know to do so! I would love nothing more than to speak God’s love over you. Know that my heart is with you, my friend. We will get through this!

Thanks for being here! Let me know what you thought. Talk soon!

Xoxo, Vi

Posted In: Faith · Tagged: Coronavirus, COVID-19, Encouragement, Faith, Family, Help, Positivity, Tips

Comments

  1. Chase says

    May 9, 2020 at 8:35 am

    Your hot

    Reply
    • Violet Thomas says

      May 9, 2020 at 9:10 pm

      Preciate it hubs <3

      Reply
    • Christel Burke says

      May 9, 2020 at 10:41 pm

      Thank you for sharing ! So beautifully done ! I love it ! Look forward to following you !
      xoxo
      Chris

      Reply
      • Christel Burke says

        May 9, 2020 at 10:41 pm

        I think I posted this incorrectly ! Uggg …sorry!

        Chris

        Reply
        • Violet Thomas says

          May 10, 2020 at 8:52 am

          Thank you so much Chris!!! I’m so glad you’re here! <3

          Reply
  2. Leah Thomas says

    May 10, 2020 at 12:10 am

    You are so loved and so strong! So proud to have you as my DIL and that you are brave to share with others.

    Reply
    • Violet Thomas says

      May 9, 2020 at 9:08 pm

      Thank you! So grateful to have you in my corner. <3

      Reply
  3. Poppy says

    May 10, 2020 at 12:29 am

    You are one of the strongest women I know. Whatever path you and Chase decide to take in life will always be supported by your family. You have always been a very special person.

    Reply
    • Violet Thomas says

      May 9, 2020 at 9:09 pm

      Thanks so much Poppy! I am so glad to have such a strong support system like you.

      Reply
  4. Betty Whatley says

    May 9, 2020 at 8:52 pm

    I love the blog. I feel God has put on your heart to help others. Who better to have you on their side, because you love God, family and others so much. You will be great to help others that need someone to listen and understand and to laugh with, because you are funny. You were raised to love others and you have never waived from that, but have grown so much in your love for God and life. Well the next thing you know you will be our “Little Abbie.” I am going to share this with two that I know need you in their corner. Can’t wait for more.

    Reply
    • Violet Thomas says

      May 9, 2020 at 9:09 pm

      Thank you so much! This means the world to me! Please do send them here! I hope it can offer some help! <3

      Reply
  5. Mrs. W. says

    May 9, 2020 at 9:00 pm

    I give it an A+! Love you, Vi!!

    Reply
    • Violet Thomas says

      May 9, 2020 at 9:09 pm

      Thanks so much Mrs. W! I appreciate it <3 Love you!

      Reply
  6. Hailey says

    May 9, 2020 at 9:02 pm

    Great ways to stay positive during this time!

    Reply
    • Violet Thomas says

      May 9, 2020 at 9:10 pm

      Thanks so much, sis! <3

      Reply
  7. Carol Tyson says

    May 9, 2020 at 10:01 pm

    Finding joy in the everyday “mundane” or the jam packed chaos is a true gift. Thank you for sharing your heart and for caring enough to do so. Love you precious girl. Keep encouraging others. You are a blessing. ♥️

    Reply
    • Violet Thomas says

      May 10, 2020 at 8:54 am

      That means so much to me! Thank you so very much for being here! <3 Love you so much!

      Reply
  8. Kate Saylor says

    May 10, 2020 at 10:04 am

    Such a wonderful message to share during this difficult time! I particularly love the validation of feelings moment. We should all be allowed the space to feel how we feel and not beat ourselves up over it. Great job, Vi! <3

    Reply
    • Violet Thomas says

      May 11, 2020 at 12:43 am

      Thank you Kit! <3 So glad you're here.

      Reply
  9. Donna Barrett says

    May 10, 2020 at 10:54 pm

    Violet so well written. You are a precious Young Mother and Wife. Thanks for the words of encouragement.

    Reply
    • Violet Thomas says

      May 11, 2020 at 12:43 am

      Thank you Mrs. D! <3

      Reply

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About Me

Hey y'all! I'm so glad you're here. I'm 22 years old, an army wife to Chase, a mama to Henry Duke, and a child of God. I'm Alabama raised, Kansas based, and Georgia bound. I'm a level 3 nursing student and will graduate with my BSN in May of 2021 with hopes of becoming an L&D nurse. I'm stoked to show you my love for family, faith, and fashion. I can't wait to see where this road leads to. Thanks so much for stopping by and showing some love! It's greatly appreciated.
Xoxo, Vi ♡

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