Flipping your own script

I promised myself when I decided to start this blog, that I would make sure it was authentic and real. I want to make sure that I share not only the good stuff but the trying, difficult and messy parts, too.

I never imagined I would be typing these words but our daughter tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week. She is only 5 years old and thankfully has very mild symptoms such as a cough and bouts of being extremely tired. Although, I have not been tested I believe I have it as well. My symptoms started out feeling like allergies or a sinus infection but now I can no longer taste certain foods or smell anything - not even the excessive amount of Lysol that I have sprayed on every inch of our home. Being in isolation the week of your wedding anniversary and your husband’s birthday is not ideal by any means but we are doing the best to manage. It can be especially challenging when you have animals that need to be cared for and responsibilities within your businesses.

While dealing with COVID has been stressful, I am reminded that it doesn’t have to steal my joy. My friend and mindset coach Melanie Wilson taught me that we have the ability to flip the script and control our own thoughts.

I have been humbled by the phone calls and messages that we have received over the last few days with prayers, concern for our well-being and offers to pick up anything that we might need. One friend dropped off a care package with crayons, snacks, tea bags and so forth; while another dropped off a card and stuffed animal for Little Farmer E. These thoughtful gestures brought tears to my eyes.

I am also grateful for the ability to work remotely from home(sorry kids, I was doing it a few years before it became the cool thing to do last year). I have been able to continue working to serve clients and my team without missing a day of work; all while still caring for our daughter.

I am thankful for technology. Little Farmer E has been able to watch several pre-recorded lessons so she does not fall behind in her school studies. I am also able to monitor certain things without having to physically be in our poultry houses such as the water consumption, temperature, ventilation level and so forth. We are still able to keep in contact with our family and friends and family by sharing pictures and videos or talking over the phone.

Lastly, the extra snuggles and hugs certainly don’t give me a reason to complain either. One day she won’t need me to fix her soup or ask me to read her favorite book for the third time in a row before bedtime. Plus, what is sweeter than father receiving a homemade birthday card from his little girl?

Is there something you are dealing with right now that you can flip the script on? The scripts that we play in our mind can be debilitating, so I am challenging you to embrace an obstacle and instead view it as a stepping stone.