I saved this on my phone many weeks ago, and just re-discovered it while looking for something else. I realized it’s been a while since I did a mental health post, so that’s what’s up today!

By now, we all know that the realities of COVID-19 are going to be with us for a while. We have been hearing the term “new normal” for a long while. Today, Toronto was allowed to enter Phase 2 of the re-opening. And while it did my heart good to see news reports of people enjoying the patios in our city, going for hair cuts, and wandering through malls, I have to admit, it also makes me anxious.

I know that I’m risk-averse. I like to plan, I like to have back-ups on my back-ups, I don’t like risk. And as long as COVID-19 is around, risk is all around us. So even as some things return to some semblance of routine, I’m still taking my time. For example – I’ve booked my hair appointment…for two weeks from now. I just wasn’t up to being the first person in line. And if, for any reason, I don’t feel up to it when the day comes – I will reschedule. It’s that simple.

All of that to say, in this crazy 2020 world of ours, it is deeply important to be aware of what your energy level is (it can change day to day, or even hour to hour!), and how you need to take care of yourself on any given day.

It’s ok if you need a little more time (or a lot more!) before you are ready to do some of the things that are “allowable” now. It’s ok if you need to protect your energy. It’s ok to move at your own pace, to set good boundaries and to be kind to yourself.

Remember, God loves you dearly. God loves you as if you were his only child (while simultaneously loving everyone else the same way! WOW! God is awesome!). If God – who is all-knowing and all-powerful – chooses to love you that much, don’t you think you owe yourself a little love, too?

Until tomorrow, dear friends, check your battery, and love you, because God sure does!