Hi, how are you going my friend? Are you feeling a little bit over the lock down, social distancing & isolation measures in this pandemic? Are you missing your family & friends?
First let’s grab our cuppas, treats & get settled for our time together…Now settled let’s begin…
Well, I can answer a resounding yes to all of the above!
I was going absolutely fine until Tuesday of this week but after experiencing Easter Sunday without family & fellowship, this lock down got a little too much!
We have been in pandemic home detention here in Australia for five weeks now with no end in sight for the next few months! I know it’s necessary but it’s a little wearying! We have the following measures here in our particular state…
- The only travel allowed is for essential work, to get groceries, for medical needs & to exercise locally or it’s a $1000 fine!
- We are allowed the daily walk/exercise, although no sitting or stopping while walking then straight back home!
- Social distancing of 1.5 metres when out & no groups over 2 people allowed other then those living in your own household & only for essential business!
I have also realized a few important factors in this time about routine…
Our new Norm
Before this time, I had put certain behavioral modifications into my ‘normal’ routine, for the management of pain with Diversional therapies. This was to keep my chronic health conditions, as far as possible managed, especially pain levels.
I likened the level I attained, in adopting these strategies, to a background noise. While one is always aware of the noise (pain), which can get a little annoying at times, it mainly stays at a bearable volume.
The following were some of the strategies I had adopted to cope with the chronic pain without having to take serious pain medication…
- Go for a drive around this coastal region we live in a few times a week, the seascape is a delight to my soul.
- Visit my daughter’s & grandchildren, when physically able, both locally & interstate (two of my daughter’s & four grandchildren live 1,000km away) this is a joy for this Mama’s heart.
- A slow walk by the water a few times a week, this refreshes my spirit.
- Meeting for a delightful morning tea each week with some amazing ladies for a share & prayer time together, often hosted in my home. A fun gal tea time!
Thus you can see how these lock down measures have impacted my pain management plan & strategies! The volume of the pain is increasing to a loud reverberation now.
You see I don’t do so well with phone calls or video chats with the Brain Malaise (Fibrofog) that these conditions give. I shared this strange but very real & debilitating malady in Listening…
So I’m left with mainly texting & emailing for communication with family & friends. This I can do & am very thankful that I have this technology however it’s not the same as face to face!
Challaging times
So feeling a little flat, well actually a little down since Tuesday (unusual for me) with this increased volume of pain. I thought I’d get praying & seek God’s wisdom first & foremost. The following wisdom was imparted…
“…I will give you treasures of darkness, and hidden wealth of secret places, in order that you may know that it is I, The Lord God…”
Isaiah 45:3
So, now I have been given this wise word, what does it actually mean? And what practical application does it have for my life & yours dear friend in this pandemic shadow!
We immediately think of darkness as a negative place. But not all places of darkness are bad or negative spaces… Let’s look at a few to see what I mean.
The seeds of delicious life sustaining fruit & vegetables need a quiet dark place under the earth to generate & grow!
The Dark depths of the ocean have some of the most amazing & beautiful creatures God has created!
The Dark night sky allows the light of secreted far away planets, stars & galaxies to shine brightly!
This can be said about creativity & productivity too! Out of the recesses of hardship, resilience & quiet reflection come some of the most creative & beautiful artworks, inventions & lifesaving equipment that we know today.
As I’ve been reflecting upon these examples & my situation at this time, I have become a little creative too!
Hidden wealth of creativity
Diversional therapy comes in many forms, so I had been toying with an idea of creating my own handbag over the last 12 months, as I haven’t been able to find the prefect one that is suitable for my particular needs!
It needed to be a shoulder bag that would hold my essential items, be soft, pliable & comfortable enough on my shoulder so as not to cause more pain there or under my arm.
So out of the shadow of pain, a hand crocheted shoulder bag that is perfect for my needs has been created, I even lined it, all made with materials I already had in my stash… it was great therapy & very practical too!
Adaption
This creativity increased my motivation, so I thought over the restrictions, how could I stay within these important government measures & yet continue important pain management strategies?
I studied the above lists, comparing mine to the restrictions…Lightbulb moment; we are allowed to travel in our own village for exercise, hmmmm…
Recently, hubby & I found that walking around our usual neighborhood route had some rather narrow spots that didn’t accommodate socal distancing very well with passing fellow walkers.
So, we now drive to the waterfront park in our little seaside village to take our walk. The park is wide & vast enough to accommodate social distancing with passing fellow walkers easily! And I get to have a little drive each time to look at the seascape! Yay!
I’m still missing family but I’m not alone in this as I’m sure you are too! Though I used creativity here too, I went online & ordered surprise gifts of love to be delivered to their homes until we can meet again, this lifted my spirit & theirs.
And finally for our ladies share & prayer we have created our own WhatsApp group, so we can text share our time online with our cuppas in hand at the same time each week!
What treasures of hidden wealth are being revealed from your secret spaces my friend, in this pandemic shadow?
Until next time,
Jennifer
Jennifer is a published author, discover more in The Book Nook
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© 2020 Jennifer M. Ross, teawithjennifer.blog, All Rights Reserved. Photos on Pexels.com
Tea With Jennifer 
Jennifer thank you for sharing on the Classy Flamingos blog party and sharing your story. I pray for you and all that you are going through. It’s been tough for so many. I’ve tried to use this time to reflect and to learn where I needed to improve. Well, let’s just say I’ve got some areas that need attention. I also ran out of drawers and closets to organize. I just love your sweet little pick-me-up for your family members. How special you must have made them feel. You are the best.
Thank you Linda for your sweet words of encouragement! I love sharing with you all on Classy Flamingos! Bless you 😀
Sending you hugs. Pain is something so many of us put in the back of our minds but when it gets worse it seems so unfair. Hoping yours lifts back to baseline. Good to see you’re still able to get out for walks. Have you heard of Rodney Yee? He has a very mild yoga video (a.m. I think) which can be done in bed. I can’t do yoga on the floor due to pain of being on the floor, but I can do some of the stretches on the bed. Just a random thought there. 🙂 My life hasn’t changed. A little less sleep as my partner works from home now so we keep the bedroom door closed for noise. However, my cat refuses to let the bedroom door be closed and wakes me every morning so HE can come in and go to bed. 😂😁 Take good care 🌸
Thank you for the hugs Mishka, sending you gentle hugs too. And thank you for thinking of me & your suggestion 😀
Naughty little cat! 😉
I try to do my stretches every second day (can’t seem to do everyday for my body) that seem to work for me, the Physical Therapist gave me this course ages ago for FM.
I’m heading back to baseline, not quiet there yet but can see the end of the tunnel… 😀
I am terrified of myself, or anyone I love, getting this virus. The only control I have is staying at home as much as possible and wearing a mask when we do go out and keeping social distance. There is a lot of pressure here on opening things up to business again, but we will be continuing to be safe. I’ve kept busy and the days are passing quickly. My church streams inspirational readings and services online, so that has been comforting. Stay well!
It is a scary time Pat!
Though knowing God is ultimately in control is comforting, isn’t it…
I like the way your church has stepped up to the mark & sending lots of encouragement out!
May we keep our eyes on Jesus who is piloting the boat in this crazy sea not the waves that threaten to overwhelm. Bless you!