![]() ![]() ![]() Reorienting ourselves after a jarring change takes the important mental work of reframing. Trust in God’s mysterious plans must anchor us in the confusion and chaos of a worldwide catastrophe such as the COVID-19 pandemic. ![]() As Catholics, we are taught that God has our best interest in mind, but it can be challenging to believe when we experience life’s sorrows. Another response is to adapt to the change even if that involves mourning the loss of great plans and adventures. With shattered expectations, how are we to respond? One response is to allow the mind to be plagued with thoughts of all the good things lost, leading to a spiral of sadness. ![]() Expectations for 2020 may have included taking a nice vacation, going to graduation, or attending a long-awaited event. No one expected, or wished for, COVID-19 and the quarantine that followed. However, change can be painful because familiarity provides comfort. Life is full of transitions, and the quicker we learn to adapt, the easier we can navigate the new territory. Staying joyful in a time of hardship begins with gracefully parting with our expectations in order to see life in a new light. Taking care of our mental health has never been more important than now. Our mental health may be waning with anxious thoughts and a depressed mood. The heavy questions stirred by fear, anxiety, and depression can become stronger as the impacts of the pandemic continue. As the days drag on we may feel hopeless, trying to make sense of why this is happening to us. The prayer of many people’s hearts during this pandemic is probably similar to the disciples when they were hit by a storm at sea: “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” (Mark 4:38). ![]()
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