Before writing any article, I ponder whether it would benefit me rather than helping everyone else. Usually, it is self-help for me. I must ask if COVID-19 has been getting to you. It has me. Have you been drinking, smoking, or eating more than usual? I have, and I have also been having too much ice cream at night. Do you have difficulty sleeping at night or been grouchier or more argumentative than usual? I have! Did a close friend or relative die due to coronavirus? Sadly, I can Yes to that! Have you watched more television than you did before March 15th, 2020. That’s a YES for me! The reason I can say yes to these questions is because there have not been any conventions at which I would be speaking. How about this question.
Do you have more financial problems since COVID-19 arrived? I know I do. If you have answered “YES” to any of the above questions, then this article, “Be Kind to Your Mind” was written especially for you.
During these last months, I started taking deep breaths to slow down my breathing. I also started to learn ways to cut down stress. Maybe what I am about to share will help you too. Some suggestions are taking more walks and while walking you should meditate. I am a Christian, so I have been praying more while I walk the neighborhood and reading good, Christian books while inside. Yes, I do pray for my fellow recyclers every day. Even though I might not know specific struggles each of you have, I also pray for everyone living in each home as I walk past them. One of my dearest recycler friends was recently diagnosed with cancer, and it’s not an easier cancer to manage. It’s a bad cancer. I check on this friend once every two weeks, just to let him know that I am praying for him and what challenges I should address each time I pray for him now.
Here’s what some of you have said when you’ve called to check on me., “I was thinking of you, DJ. How have you been?” Other relaxing techniques or suggestions to destress could be listening to favorite music or other activity that you have always enjoyed.
Today, my son-in-law informed me that the project located in my backyard is costing me too much time and money to complete. That is okay with me because what he does not realize is that project is helping me cope with this NEW NORMAL. That belaboring project is strictly mental health for me.
I have found that picking up the telephone and talking to my loves one can help me too. In some cases, I have not been aware of their needs as I should have been, particularly those that are isolated due to this pandemic. Since I am one of 12 children and have siblings at different levels of financial security, we as a family have been helping one of my sisters whose going through a very tough spot in her life. She lost to much weight, and her regular doctor sent her to two different specialists, and for now they believe it is all in her head.
My sister has worried incessantly that anyone or anything could give her the virus. So, we can say, this virus threat has affected her mind. Maybe that is why I have titled this article, “Be Kind to Your Mind”. The whole Harrington family has pitched in and are coming together to help my sister through this difficult time. If you or someone that you care about have been feeling overwhelmed with emotions, such as sadness, depression, or anxiety or just want to harm yourself or others, please seek professional help. It is the right thing to do.
For me, I talk to friends who have their heads on straight. Since I have more time on my hands now, I spend one extra hour per day reading a good Christian and a self-help book. I thank God for all the many blessings that he has given me and my good friends in the auto recycling industry. I also thank all my friends at Car-part.com and all readers of the Power Source magazine.
It is important to remember that tough times usually do not last but tough people do. There is another encouraging quote that many people reference during difficult times. “This too shall pass” is a famous line often quoted by many people during tough situations. While many people use this phrase and attribute it to the Word of God, the reality is that this line is never spoken of in the Bible. There is no exact verse that says, “This too shall pass” in any chapter of the Bible. However, God does promise to be with you during good and bad times of your life.
Thanks for reading my article this month. See you next time. P.S. God answers prayers! If you read this article and you want me to pray for something special for you, your business or a loved one in your life, then text, email or call me with your request. It certainly would be my pleasure to lift prayers on your behalf.
Correspondence regarding this article should go to:
D.J. Says, 2820 Andover Way, Woodstock, GA 30189
D. J. Harrington is an author, journalist, seminar leader, international trainer, and marketing consultant. He works primarily with customer service personnel, and his clients include such world-class companies as General Motors, DuPont, Caterpillar, and Damon Corporation. He may be reached at 800-352-5252. E-mail: dj@djsays.com. 52 weeks a year, we are as close as your telephone.