COVID-19: It's Okay to Feel!

Now is a time to stay at home.
A time to reflect on travels of the past, 
A time to dream of travels to come.
A time to travel without the journey.

What a wonderful world! And what in the world do we do now? Heed the messages to self-quarantine so we do not spread this virus to others who are more vulnerable than ourselves. 

You are not alone; the entire world is going through this. My thoughts…..One day we’ll be listening to songs on the radio about where we were during coronavirus. The COVID-19 virus is this generation’s 9/11. Both events have had global impact and changed the way we go about everyday life.

I’ve lived through several natural disasters, including the Loma Prieta Earthquake in October 1989 and the events of September 11, 2001, but I’ve never lived through anything like this.

It’s okay to worry, to be angry, fearful and to have hope. It’s okay to cry, show emotion, and have hope. It’s okay to protect your loved ones, employees, neighbors, and have hope. 

One of my favorite messages was discovered written on a wall at one of the camps during the Holocaust: 
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I believe in the sun even when it is not shining;
I believe in love even when I cannot feel it;
I believe in God even when He is silent.

As we’re all social distancing, I suggest we turn off the national cable channels with all the stats and watch the Hallmark channel instead. Equip yourself with information from credible sources:
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World Health Organization
Center for Disease Control 
US State Department

​What else can we do in these quiet moments?

• Stay away from information on social media that proclaims cures and other tricks, and don’t entangle yourself with people who choose to spread fear. Instead, use social media to connect, find true inspiration, and dream of the day we get to travel again.
• Practice self-care so that you can be there for your family and friends. Remember to put the air mask on yourself before helping others — you can have a much greater impact when you take a moment or two to check in with your own health and treat yourself kindly.
• Try a new recipe using items from your existing pantry. If you’re like many of us, you have more time on your hands than usual. Use it to get creative in the kitchen! 
• Play games with the family - Monopoly, dominos, cards.
• Read a new book, or reread your favorite book.
• Walk your dog, keeping the appropriate distance from others, or teach your puppy a new trick using YouTube as your guide.
• Focus on the simple things, reconnect with distant loved ones by FaceTime or Skype, and practice self-care so you can care for those around you. Mental self-care is especially important now, so don’t be shy about taking time to meditate or write before or after engaging in a heavy conversation.

If you have or had upcoming travel, let your trusted travel advisor do the work for your cancelations or postponements. We are your advisors through good times and rough times, and we work tirelessly to advocate for you. 

We are responding to changes as fast as those on the frontlines are changing the rules to deal with the pandemic. As time allows day dream of a time when we can see the world again!

Have hope, have patience and be safe.