Wash Those Hands!
How many times have you heard (or read) this in the last week? “Wash your hands.”
The coronavirus: some people say that it’s just like the flu, and I understand the thought process behind that, but I think with this being so new (and with no vaccinations, etc.) it’s different. Not only that, it’s now considered a pandemic. The last time the flu was a global pandemic was in 1918 when the Spanish flu killed at least 10% of the people who became infected. So yeah, this coronavirus mess is definitely something to take seriously.
Schools are closing, events are being cancelled, and many people are panicking. And if you need toilet paper, you’re probably (literally) sh*t-out-of-luck. Good luck finding hand sanitizer too.
My brother, a minister, posted a reminder this morning:
“While it is good to stay informed, we must not allow the news reports to create fear in our hearts. This is a time for us to stay anchored in the truth of God’s word and put our trust in Jesus. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, Love and a sound mind.”
I agree with my brother, and I think instead of being afraid, we should be cautious and practice things like social distancing (6 feet apart), washing hands, and staying home if you don’t feel well. Here’s a link to the CDC on ways to protect yourself:
A lot of the recommendations don’t threaten to change any of my preexisting habits. Well, I call them “habits” . . . some people might say I’m weird. Let’s compromise, though, and settle on “quirky.”
Those very close to me know that I sucked my thumb until I was fifteen. The bad thing is that I had to have braces because of that. The good thing is that I have always been OCD about washing my hands. I mean, if you’re gonna stick your fingers in your mouth, you want them to be clean, right? Also, when your hand is right under your nose, it’s nice when it smells soapy clean.
Another quirky thing that’s working fine for me amid the coronavirus is that I don’t like going anywhere, so being told I should stay home and avoid people doesn’t hurt my feelings at all. In fact, staying home has forced me to be extremely productive this weekend. I’ve gotten so much organizing done already and it’s only Saturday. Plus, I am taking the time to write.
I’m also a bit of a hoarder. I keep Sam’s Club in business by staying overstocked on things like paper towels, toilet paper, and tissues (no, I’m not sharing). Of course, since I don’t like to go anywhere, I order those things online. I don’t know why I hoard, but right now, I’m feeling okay about it.
I’m glad these odd habits of mine are finally paying off, but like everyone else, I’ll be glad when that mean old virus is gone and things are back to normal. Until then, I’ll use this time to get some writing in, work on my newsletter, and get stuff done around the house. I think I’ll even take a walk (it’s a beautiful day).
Hopefully, the next time I blog, I will be able to say how great it was that this virus came and left so quickly.
In the meantime, stay safe, my friends: Avoid crowds, ration your toilet paper, and wash those hands!
