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Blog

4 Ways to Cope with Enhanced Community Quarantine

We are living in extreme circumstances. With the recent extension of our enhanced community quarantine to May 15th, we will be welcoming May in a way that will forever documented in history. This is the “new normal.”  COVID19 has given us the opportunity to reassess what is important. Lockdown has taught us how to make the most of our time, not just with our families, but also in our work, and most especially in our faith. That being said, I thought it would be helpful if I shared 4 ways to cope with ECQ and COVID19. 

Since the lockdown, our only option of attending worship, is through the live stream sessions that CCF offers through out different times of day on Sundays. We have attended worship (on more than one occasion) this way, and because we don’t have a yaya who is solely devoted to caring for Gelli, this is a wonderful alternative for us. 

More than a few weeks ago, Pastor Peter Tanchi shared 4 tips to help cope with these uncertain times. He shared ways for us to be mindful. We have discussed these coping skills with our children on more than one occasion, and we find them extremely helpful. We also covered these pointers, in our small group, and because I found them so helpful, I would like to share them with all of you.

Nino and I are so grateful for this group. We have learned so much in our walk with Jesus through their experiences, and their sharing of their faith.

Here are 4 ways to cope with ECQ suggested by Pastor Peter, as we strengthen our faith in the time of COVID19:

Be Grateful

COVID19 has reminded all of us to count our blessings. 

From something as simple as being able to breathe freely without a mask on, to something even as mundane as going to the grocery store when I please, nothing is to be taken for granted anymore. While I cannot speak for anyone else but myself, I can also share that even being able to enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables to keep our immunity up, is something I appreciate and value more than ever.

I’m grateful for the health of my family. For the roof over our heads. For the food we have on the table, and the meals I am able to prepare with that food, quite easily. I am grateful for the sun, the cool breeze that enters through our window, and the frontliners who are keeping the city running smoothly. I am grateful for my sister and my parents, whose help and love have been paramount not just during quarantine, but in the past year.

Admittedly, it’s been a little rough on our family since 2016, but by God’s GRACE, we are still here, still coping with the challenges, and thanking Him every step of the way. SO much learning. SO many angels sent our way. So much support from people near and far, in both kindness and spirit…

Meditate on His Purpose

There are two ways to look at finding purpose in these times of COVID19. 

In many of the Viber groups that I am part of, I am seeing that many of my friends and acquaintances are finding comfort in sharing good vibes and laughter, but it is also difficult if you do not discern and sift through what will be purposeful and helpful as we navigate these trying times.

I do believe that we should use this time that we are given to take a step back and assess.

What is our responsibility in this crisis to ourselves?
What is our responsibility in this crisis to others?
What is our responsibility in this crisis to our loved ones?

AND perhaps even more importantly:
What is God’s purpose in allowing the series of events to take place, exactly as they are?

I cannot answer these questions for you, but I have certainly pondered these thoughts for myself.

I have realized that in my busy-ness of making things happen for all the different projects that I am blessed with, I have had less time to take care of the house and the kids’ everyday activities. They have always had what they needed (Praise God!) but there are definitely times, where I have gotten the feeling like I forgot something that fell through the cracks and needed my attention. 

So what has the Enhanced Community Quarantine given me?
I have so much more time to devote to my kids! 

What if HIS purpose in allowing me to spend all this time in lockdown with my children and my husband was to also allow me to invest all this time in getting to know them again?  What if this was exactly the reminder I needed to enjoy these conversations or teachable moments? What if the time I have asked my children to research verses on RESPECT and LOVE was also part of His grand plan? (I asked the boys to both research verse on these value recently because of a conversation that we had.)

I guess, what I mean to say, is that while I know the immediate purpose for us, is of course, to #StayHome so we can #FlattenTheCurve. But what if the benefits and purpose to this exercise, can also lend itself to a shift in perspective, or the idea that we need to refocus our sights on what is truly important? 

Trust in God

Trust the process.

I have friends who have suffered great loss during this time.
I have Best Buddies who have lost parents and grandparents. 
I have friends who have passed, due to complications while they were treating cancer.
I have a cousin who passed suddenly from a heart attack.

Having trust and faithfulness in God, to deal with such heart breaking losses is what I will continue to hold onto. It’s not easy by any means. Not for any one of us. Most especially by the families that all of these beautiful people have left behind. 

I continue to pray for the families who have suffered great losses. I continue to pray for those who don’t have what they need during a time when non-essential work is suspended. I continue to pray that God will give His people the reassurance that He is there. Ever-present. Ever loving.

Be Kind and Respectful to Others

Even our Best Buddies Philippines Ambassador, Andie Cruz was able to share his snacks that he would have used for going to school with the frontliners his momma contacted. Once school was cancelled, he decided to donate his snacks right away.

Gosh. I have seen so many instances where I feel like our humanity is being saved.

I have seen ripples of kindness move through our society and give us the opportunity to give back to those less fortunate. To thank our essential workers who commit to going to work in the grocery stores. To buy lunch for our essential delivery people who have made sure that we are getting goods, groceries, or products we order online.

This heartwarming story of a school teacher who shared Baliwag Lechon Manok with her Grab driver who is a single dad is still making headlines. To see the full post click here.

I have seen the fashion industry come together to provide PPE’s for hospitals in need.

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

We are strong. We are resilient. We will overcome! 🇵🇭 In support of our selfless Filipino frontliners who put their lives on the line everyday for us in the face of COVID-19, Suit It Up Manila is donating Php100,000.00 to the Philippine General Hospital Foundation for meals and personal protective equipment. These past few days have been trying for everyone. Our first priority was to take care of our local tailors and staff which we have done in the interim. As a Filipino Brand, there are many uncertainties that lie ahead however we believe that together we will overcome! #frontlinersph #suititupmanilacares #thesuitituplife #suititupmanila

A post shared by Suit it Up Manila (@suititupmanila) on Mar 23, 2020 at 10:31pm PDT

I have seen foodies come together to feed frontliners.

By coming together, so many of the foodies I know are helping with snacks, meals, and more. Photo Credit: Frontline Feeders Facebook page.

I have seen mommas band together to make a difference through their social media presence.

Brand Buzz Helps has been coordinating their relief efforts through Clara Alegria. Mommy KOL’s have been donating their time, resources, and service to making a difference for frontliners and families that need it most.

 

I have seen entrepreneurs donate to make sure hygiene kits are available to those who need it.

To purchase Clean Care Sets for frontliners and for those in need, click here.

I have seen the GOOD come out of all these people who KNOW, innately, that we must help one another.

And it humbles me to know that so many of us are doing all we can to make a small difference in this world.

Because every little bit helps. 

As we persevere and continue to care for one another (and ourselves) through these uncertain times, I hope that you find these four ways of coping, as helpful and reassuring as I did.

Looking forward to the other side of this quarantine. We will adjust to our new normal, together, by God’s Grace.

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Comments

  1. Marycor Valencia says

    April 27, 2020 at 10:24 am

    Such a wonderful article. Thank you for sharing this mommy Michelle. I feel grateful for my everyday life and this ECQ because it made me connect to people like you who blessed me with so much learnings,u spiritually & mentally. Also, with this ECQ I was able to use my skill to reach out and bless other.
    The best part of this ECQ, I came to seek more of God and trust His faithfulness.

    • michelle says

      April 28, 2020 at 8:21 am

      Thanks Marycor! I appreciate you stopping by to visit. Our experience is the same. So many gifts and opportunities to share! I too, have had more time to invest in His word and up my level of the understanding of His Love.

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No school yesterday, means pajamas all day at Nina No school yesterday, means pajamas all day at Ninang’s place. I haven’t had the mind to work at all. I lost one of my sorority sisters earlier this week, and someone very dear to our family yesterday morning. I have been doing my best to focus on this little one, keeping her busy, and having mindful conversation with her. Reminding myself to stay present and grateful through this overwhelming sense of sadness and loss. I find myself having these little conversations through out the day with Jesus. Thanking Him for His sacrifice, and for the most meaningful Easter, I have had in a long time. I try not to question the loss and the pain that I know so many of our friends and family are suffering. But I’m human, and well, no one looks forward to loss 😔
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I keep coming back to the idea that there is purpose to the pain God allows for us. And the promise of something beautiful when we have lived a life where we do all we can, for His Glory. In this conversation I had with a Friend late last night, I shared this newfound understanding that recent events provided for me. It is through all of this loss that I have learned how grief and gratitude can both lighten and anchor my heart at the same time. That I can be grateful to have experienced the gifts of friendship and sisterhood yet grieving the loss of a human being who was luminous, generous, and Godly in everything she did. 
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Even through the tremendous loss, I am reminded that God has a plan. And that there is a circle of life. Gelli and I celebrate Savi’s first birthday with his giveaway craft from @antspocketph that @sinfullysabrina sent out last month. We crafted, celebrated, and were able to remain thankful even through the most difficult of times. 🙏🏻🌹💙💛
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Remembering last week’s brunch that we enjoyed w Remembering last week’s brunch that we enjoyed while watching worship service. Pinwheel sausage from @santisdelicatessen @usblueberriesphl @realcaliforniamilkphl cheese @bountyfreshph eggs salted pretzels from @lartizan @hummingbirdspreads and @ilovewhisk jam was perfect with our ciabatta too. And because I realize that alcohol has been affecting my digestion lately, we switched over to a little sparkling @welchs_ph to add to our meal. 
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@strongertogetherevent is a gathering of women from all around the globe sharing the triumphs and trials of their very special motherhood. We will come together because we know there is strength in numbers, in sharing, and how our stories are intertwined and intersectional. The raw gritty parts of motherhood, burnout, and the mountains we face can only be faced with our faith and women by are side who really “get” where we sit, stand, and fight for our children. Women who know that we sometimes struggle to own our own identities, and self care, too. Want to join the LIVE conversation? 
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Naked Sea Salt Chocolate Cake by @gi.aventajado fo Naked Sea Salt Chocolate Cake by @gi.aventajado for Easter Sunday. She has perfected this delicious recipe. From tweaking the cake to mastering the ganache, I think she has it down right perfect! 👌🏻❤️🍫
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Loss. Suffering. Pain. Sickness. And as the realities of the pandemic are giving us so many more reasons to be thankful, I am clinging to His promise. His Love. And the understanding that He has plans for us. So we will do our part, stay safe, and take this time to reflect while giving thanks, and being mindful. 
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Holy Week has never been so full of reflection as it is for me now. Praying for my friends, my family, our frontliners, and all of those affected by COVID19. 
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Perhaps the wisdom that comes with age and life experience in your faith, involves knowing and understanding that the extreme emotions of pain and loss, grieving and gratitude, joy and happiness CAN exist in the human heart all at the same time. Not taking any of His gifts for granted. 🙌🏻
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@bountyfreshph Chicken Fingers and Honey Mustard D @bountyfreshph Chicken Fingers and Honey Mustard Dip made by @migaventajado with ingredients care of our #Easter #Basket from @momzillaph. As March is coming to a close, I am thankful for all the women I have met because I started blogging who are passionate in their purpose. I am thankful for Best Buddies and the successful month of awareness activities we mounted with partners who believe in what we do. And I am thankful that my family is safe and sound. Stay safe IG Peeps. Stay Home. Stay grateful. 
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Praying for all of our friends and family who are struggling with this virus right now. My heart is breaking but I know we have a Big and Mighty God. He can move mountains. Make miracles. And raise Jesus from the dead.
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