... but learning how to dance in the rain."
Could this quote be any more fitting for 2020? Faith and spirituality don’t immune us from the challenges, rather they help us move through them with grace. And, yes, grace can include a few f-bombs or moments of anxiety.

This is the screenshot of the side of the race car driven by professional stock car racing driver Darrell “Bubba” Wallace… the first African-American to have a full-time NASCAR gig since 1971.

When you laugh, you can’t be anxious, sad, or angry. Laughter is an expression of joy. We know laughter encourages that release of endorphins that can decrease stress, increase pain tolerance, reduce depression, and improve overall quality of life. 

Unfortunately, many suffer from acute seriousness. Practical realities like money issues, family stressors, and illnesses can tug on our joy and strain our funny bone. Although humor can’t vaccinate us against the realities of the life, humor can helps us move through difficult times.

If you live in Illinois like me… or even other parts of the country or world for that matter… the stay-at-home orders have been extended. However, as much as we look forward to when our communities can start opening safely, many of us (including myself ) both look forward to and fear when that day comes. How to ready ourselves for the new normal? 
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It’s an understatement to say that our lives have changed during this COVID-19 pandemic. No longer is running a simple errand so simple. Even the 5-second rule (when you drop food on the floor) is a thing of the past.

Amid the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we are told to remain calm. However, as you know, simply being told to remain calm doesn’t exactly cut it… particularly when the health, safety, and well-being of our loved ones and ourselves is on the line. 

​Yes, this too shall pass…. but how do we deal with and live in the now? Here are just few approaches and some practical information you may find helpful. 

Have you ever felt at odds with yourself between your internal priorities and your external actions? Have you ever said yes when your heart and head wanted to say no to avoid conflict? Have you ever accepted an invitation or request from a boss, a colleague, or particularly a family member for fear of the possible drama that could in-sue? Yeah, me too.