POSITIVITY IS A STATE OF MIND
Positivity has always been an important noun for me in terms of its importance for daily life, wellness and survival. Being a Sagittarian and staying true to the traits of the traveller come ever optimist, positivity was always going to be one of my most endearing traits.
I recently came across an apt quote for this post but also the current state of Corona virus happenings….
“Be mindful. Be grateful. Be positive. Be true. Be kind.”
Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
Be mindful
of others around you and their needs, which may be greater than your own.
Be grateful
for what you have and make the most of the smaller things in life.
Be Positive
You have your heath, family and friends; that means you have all the riches in the world, as my late dad used to day.
Be true
to yourself and others. Don’t be a hero, offer help where you can and accept help if you need it.
Be kind
above all be kind. Be happy. A smile stays on your lips for a few seconds but it can make someone’s day
Some time has now passed, since The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared Coronovirus a pandemic, I have been trying to view this detrimental, replicating code AKA Covid-19 through the eyes of positivity so here’s why Coronavirus will not be messing with my approach at this surreal time…
Data as of March 26, 2020.
SOURCE: Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Resource Center
1 The Scientist
Most of you know I’m a scientist by profession and with almost all of my training in Microbiology and Virology, a pandemic is something that you never imagine experiencing in the first world. It’s a topic of lectures and further reading. It may be my background knowledge that has helped me to decipher the clinical and scientific jargon in terms of understanding the containment of the virus and its pathophysiology but this has certainly made me feel a little better knowing its course. Following instructions is the key, social distancing, high risk groups, immunocompromised all noted and observed.
Lesson of Positivity: Pandemics are real but still in the minority
2Type 1 Diabetes
Living with Type 1 Diabetes for over 30 years has taught me discipline and the complete importance of being well and the severity or lets say penalties of what can happen when you don’t follow the rules and have a routine. I’ve been applying the same rules to the Coronavirus guidelines with the NHS issuing that Diabetes is in the High Risk Category so there is no other way than to be working from home for the next 12 weeks or so. The thought of shielding is a little daunting to start with but protecting myself is top priority as I know I’m immuno-compromised and vulnerable.
Lesson of Positivity: I have a really good chance of being OK.
Read about some of my daily and travel challenges living with Diabetes below:
3The Gift of Time
It may seem like THE world has literally come to a standstill but in MY world, I have received the gift of time. Time to do all the things that you’ve been almost stock piling somewhere. Mental lists consisting of priority jobs, which aren’t really a priority until now, cleaning, de-cluttering, brushing up on your language skills, trying out new recipes, reading, organising your electronic files, and the list goes on…
You will never have this calibre of time back so embrace it and make the most of it.
Lesson of Positivity: Time is precious, don’t waste it.
4No imminent travel plans
The fact that I won’t be travelling imminently with the current restrictions, filled me with a glow of positivity. You may remember that last year was a very busy long haul travel year for me and that really did take it’s toll even though I enjoyed every minute of it. 2020 was going to be a year of spontaneous travel for me but Covid-19 had different plans, maybe a curve ball, or possibly a blessing but looking at 2021 travel is definitely something to look forward to as Dr C and I will be booking a trip of a lifetime a year later for our 10th wedding anniversary. Time to make travel even more special.
Lesson of Positivity: Time to reflect and prepare for special travel
5Focus on Local
Aside from travelling, my other passion is supporting businesses in my local city, Leicester. I’ve really appreciated the community we have in the city and how everyone comes together at a time of need. It really does restore your faith in humankind and makes me proud to be part of this community and be able to offer support where I can.
Lesson of Positivity: See what’s around you and help it thrive
6 Health & Wellbeing
A positive state of mind is of course very good for health and wellbeing. Taking daily exercise, speaking with friends virtually and having meetings via other platforms apart from face to face has been a fantastic motivator and it’s definitely worth scheduling in a few of these a week. Oh, and it gives me a chance to show off my ruby woo (lipstick colour obvs!!!)
Lesson of Positivity: There is only one you, take care of you inside and out
So folks, you have so many reasons for adding more positivity in your lives but also I’d love to know how you’re doing with the subject in this uncertain time. Join the conversation below in the comments…
À bientôt
Claire Studd
So glad you are remaining positive! Your ideas are great! Stay safe ????
Bejal
Claire StuddHi Claire, Yes definitely positivity for the win in this situation! Thanks for stopping by and hope you find some of them useful during this time. Hope you and the family keep safe and well x
Harpreet
The gift of time I think is perhaps the most valuable one for me. I have been feeling like a hamster on a wheel in a cage, running to nowhere. I think this whole Pandemic has given us all a much needed breather from everything, travel included. Literally giving us time to stop and smell the roses!
Stay safe and thank you for sharing so many reasons to be positive. xoxo
Bejal
HarpreetI don’t think we’ll ever have this kind of time, so we hold it precious to us. Thanks for your lovely comment and lots of wishes to you and your family to stay well and positive in the weeks to come. Bxx
kerry
Ahh Bejal we are cut from the same cloth. I feel the same and am taking so much positive from this time. I have to say, if we were not on lockdown I would be straight in my car up to Leicester. I would blooming love to hear all the science stuff behind the virus, and could talk to you for hours about it (over very cold glasses of wine of course) I love this post, and feel all the positive vibes. Keep safe and keep well lovely lady xxx
Bejal
kerryOh my Kerry, I think we are very similar in. many ways! I would absolutely love you to come to Leicester. When this is over we shall organise something and I’ll bore you with science/medicine and just general stuff that floats around in my head! Thanks so much for reading and I wish you and your family a very positive, safe and happy time in teh weeks to come. Take care xx
Angie Silver
Great positive thoughts Bejal. Keep well. xx
Bejal
Angie SilverThanks Angie. Stay safe and look after your little family B x
Emma (@happywiseowl)
Time is definitely something we all have more of at the moment – I think it’s important to be kind to yourself. If you don’t want or have the brain capacity to learn something new, then that’s equally as OK!
Em x
Bejal
Emma (@happywiseowl)Absolutely and I completely agree, we have a lot of it but you can decide what you do with it! Stay safe Emma. B xx
Neha
I am generally positive because life is too short to concentrate on the negatives (plus I don’t want to go totally grey yet lol). A great read especially the time aspect!
Bejal
NehaTotally, life is too short is a constant reminder for me with where I work and teh grey aspect we do not beed in our lives, especially right now when salons are closed!!! Thanks for your comment and stopping by Neha.
Binny
Love this! Time has been a blessing and also being able to tackle things I had left AWOL. Loving having time to indulge in reading too
Bejal
BinnyThanks Binny! Time is the best thing and I bet after all this is over, we’ll appreciate more.
Kirsty Marrins
Staying positive is key! For now I’m still working full time so don’t have loads of time at the moment to pursue other interests, however I am taking the time to read more, knit and make time for exercise which is definitely helping with my mental health and wellbeing!
Bejal
Kirsty MarrinsTotally agree Kirsty! I’m loving all the exercise online at the moment. SO much choice and such fun. Stay safe xx
aeparker81
My gift of time is working from home but also being able to be a stay at home mum and get time with my son I could never have dreamed of. Yes it is flipping hard, but there’s so much positive out of that too! Stay well
Bejal
aeparker81That time is pretty special and means everything to you right?! Something to really cherish. Thanks for stopping by and be safe xx
aeparker81
BejalAgreed, whilst we have it for bad reasons it’s a gift to have time as a family like this! You too xx
Bejal
aeparker81Thanks lovely x
Emma ????????✈️ (@LondonKiwiEmma)
That Roy T. Bennet quote is JUST so on the money!
Bejal
Emma ????????✈️ (@LondonKiwiEmma)Isn’t it Emma?! So apt for the time!
Jan
I do feel very grateful that we have a garden and somewhere to get outside. It must be such difficult times for those who don’t.
Bejal
JanI know it’s a very testing time indeed and I must admit the daily exercise and fresh air really does help lift spirits