Covid19: A cheesy acrostic to help us all survive.

“The coronavirus is the worst.”-my six-year-old

Hi. Hello. Breathe deep. We are doing hard things.

First and foremost, I hope you and those you love are safe and well. Second, I want to promise from the outset this is not a rah rah we can do this post, so you’re safe to read on if you are processing big feelings, fluctuating levels of determination, and experiencing a slow, simmering anxiety. (Maybe I’m just projecting here? But I don’t think so.)

For too many of us, we now squarely have the responsibility of homeschooling our children while we try to keep businesses running and employees employed without the respite and relief of the help of those we depend on. This pales in comparison to the plight of our heroes on the literal frontlines. We are beyond grateful for you—thank you. 

And frankly, it sucks. To quote my oldest, I hate the coronavirus. It is the worst. 

I needed a way to process my emotions and set some standards for this new way of life. I grabbed my trusty Task Keeper and made a cheesy, easy acrostic to help me transition the negative emotions I’m feeling into positive intentions. Here’s what I came up with:

Covid19: Acrostic

Laugh it up— this is so on brand for me. What can you do? These are trying times but I will remain true to myself. There are a lot of big, hard emotions surrounding this pandemic, and it can be terrifying. I feel isolated, my life violated, detained against my will, and overwhelmed by the needs of those around me. Phew. Feels good to get that out. When I flip the narrative, I commit to be vigilant in caring well for those I love, consistent with what I can control, and take everything day by day.

Gratitude is Grounding Me

Gratitude is absolutely grounding me in these times of radical uncertainty. My list is still growing, as I add to it every day, but it helps. And my deepest gratitude comes from the margin and access to resources I know so many are going without right now.

Guides for Togetherness

We are spending so. much. time. together. Holy cow. There is no escaping the four people I live with and that alone can send me spiraling if I’m not careful. So, I crafted us some guides for togetherness to give us some shared rules around this whole quarantined together thing. Critical on the list— maintaining proper hygiene.

Intentional Goals

And finally—the only remotely rah rah part of this resource—I did make a few intentional goals. Honestly, I could already scrap some of these since I wrote them three days ago. I haven’t exactly been able to get out for garden supplies. However, I thrive when I’m working towards something, and these are intentions that are/have been on my list for a while. We will see, but it helps to have something written down.

And because I love you, I mocked up a quick printable for you to do your own Covid19 acrostic. I hope it helps.

Finally, this week I’m rolling out stories of the mom who works during a pandemic on the @MomWhoWorks Instagram page. I would love to hear from you if you’re game. I believe our shared stories help lessen the feelings of isolation—and the negative impact of the actual, literal, not perceived but truly real isolation we are experiencing now. Simply reply and I’ll send you the quick instructions.

I think if we simply care well for those we love and lead during this time we will be ok. It isn’t going to be easy and the far-reaching ramifications are crippling to consider. So, I think you’re awesome. I know you can do this. And on the days you don’t think you can, trust I’m here holding space for that too. 

All my love and shared hatred for Covid19,

Jenna

Chief Curator, Mom Who Works

P.S. That’s “set office hours” not “sex office hours.” I’ve heard I need to clarify. #handwritingproblems