If you think hyperemesis gravidarum is a cakewalk, try vomiting 5-20 times a day for several (5-8) months on end. Multiply that by 14 pregnancies. I had hair fall out, bleeding from my esophagus (which finally tore open in a later pregnancy), and my teeth got loose from the strain. There were times that I vomited so long and so forcibly that I lost control of both my bowels and bladder. It was extremely difficult on body and mind to get through those hard days, but going through it made me very strong minded.
I had a lot to be depressed about. Every day, when I woke up, I knew I'd be vomiting my way through it. And, I knew the next day and the one after that, and the one after that, and so forth would be the same. When the depression came, and it most certainly did, I prayed for God to help me through, took to my Bible, and disciplined my thoughts.
Disciplining our minds makes us strong mentally. Allowing negative thoughts and fear to reign unchecked makes us weak minded. There are a number of things in this world on any given day to distract us and rob our hope and joy. Self-disciplining our thoughts with God's Word is a good antidote for that.
Don't focus on what you can't do. Focus on what you can do. Then, do those things. Words are only words until the action follows them.
We can talk about
and think about
doing something
for as long as we want,
but until we take action...
we have not done anything!
Stay busy. Even while sitting in bed, I was able to keep my mind and hands occupied. Twenty years ago, while on bed rest, I learned html coding, built a website, started affiliate links on my websites for passive income, made many sewing repairs, homeschooled, planned ahead for projects, did Bible studies, studied (on my own) nursing, obstetrics, infectious disease, animal husbandry. I took a paid course on herbal medicine, read fiction, took an interest in and learned about a new sport, started a greeting card ministry, etc. I even exercised my arms when I was well enough. There were many days when all I could do was sleep from the medication (which was a known depressant) and heal from the vomiting. Whenever I was able to do something, even something small and quiet, I did it. Somedays, I'd ask Clint to simply take me for a ride so I could get out of the house. Sometimes we'd have to turn right back around and go home because the motion made me sick again, but I just kept trying.
Start doing something. You don't have to "want" to do it. Make yourself do it because it is good for your mind and body to be busy. Just start and follow one small thing through. Then, it will be just a little bit easier to do the next thing. You might find the thing you choose to do after that will be a bit easier. Keep trying, and don't ever give up.
Your mind is the most powerful tool you have. Apply your mind to your situation with creativity and see what you can come up with that you can accomplish.
Stay connected. I would contact at least one person every day by phone, mail, text, or email. (This was before social media.) Reach out to people. Many are also struggling, and you can help each other. Send out small gifts or cheerful greeting cards to others. If your budget is small, send free online greeting cards. If you need someone to start with, my email is in the header. I'll send one back!
Make your home a haven. I don't mean just a place that looks pretty where you can rest. You can be a slave to your home, or your home can serve your interests and pursuits. Make it a place with plenty of resources where your mind is free to experiment and create. I'd rather see a messy home filled with creative people than a spotless one filled with dull, unimaginative people.
Try something new. Order a different meal, try new foods from the grocery store, watch a different genre of movie, listen to a new music artist, etc. For hobbies, I try to pick things that I enjoy that will also bless my family and others. Sometimes, I do something just for the latter, and as I gain in knowledge and experience, it turns into the former.
I hope this post helps someone in some way. How we view things affects us mentally and emotionally. I don't see the stay at home order as being "stuck at home." I see it as having more opportunity for other activities.
Dear Reader, Do you believe God has a plan and a purpose for our lives? Do you think the stay at home order took Him by surprise? How can we glorify Him best through it? How can we discipline and strengthen our minds to grow in godly character during the stay at home order? How can we redeem the time and opportunity we have been given?
I am here for anyone who needs a friendly voice, a prayer partner, a sister in Christ to share freely and confidentially with, etc. If you are local and can't get out and need some cheer, let me know. Email is in the header. If you want a texting prayer buddy, email your number to me, and I'll reply with mine. If there is something we can help you with, please let us know.
