When There’s No Plan B

My mom was a strong woman in every way especially physically. So, when she got sick, got diagnosed with cancer, and died within a five-week period, it was shocking to all of us who loved her. At the time, my sister-in-law commended me for handling the situation so well. My response to her was this: “What’s Plan B?”

Clearly, there are times in life where there is no Plan B and where we just have to deal with whatever comes our way. The COVID-19 situation comes readily to mind. At the risk of sounding like Suzie Sunshine, I suggest five quotes for sucking it up and carrying on during the pandemic. All of the quotes mentioned here are from a wonderful journal called, It’s Gonna Be Okay by KnockKnockStuff.com. 

Quote #1 from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow:

“For after all, the best thing one can do when it is raining, is to let it rain.”

Why I like this quote: One of the many social media posts I have created over the years shows a Volkswagen in a parking lot. The caption reads, “Validation is for my parking lot ticket not for my life.” As brassy as this sounds, I created the post as a reminder to myself because I am a person who craves validation in every aspect of my life. So, I like that this quote validates the FACT that is it raining. Whew! Good to know!

This quote packs a second lesson as it virtually preaches the serenity prayer. Since I can’t stop the rain, I have to accept it and move forward from that base.

Quote #2 from Don Herold (American humorist, writer, illustrator, and cartoonist):

 “If I had my life to live over, I would have more actual troubles and fewer imaginary troubles.”

Why I like this quote: There are people in this world who exaggerate every problem. When I talk to this sort of person, I always tell myself to divide their story in half – and then subtract seven. At rough times in life, my brain is the exaggerator, putting out rampant thoughts, fears, and worries. I have to be equally brutal in axing these imaginary troubles. Let me be redundant here: I need to cut my imaginary troubles in half and then subtract seven.

Quote #3 from Steve Jobs:

“Sometimes life hits you in the head with a brick. Don’t lose faith.”

Why I like this quote: As economic turmoil takes hold in the stock market, I could allow financial worries to run rampant in my head, but I don’t. I have good financial advisors in place. We have a specific investment plan that is meant to handle up and down markets. We have done all that we can to be prudent. I have no control beyond that. I am assuming that financially, the pandemic is going to hit everyone in the head with a brick. But I hope to keep the faith. As it is said: When you hit rock bottom, the only way to go is up. 

Quote #4 from Conan O’Brien:

 “When all else fails, you always have delusion.”

Why I love this quote: It reminds us that in tough times, we need methods to escape reality.

• Enjoying time with other people is a great way to get away from problems, but in the era of social distancing, in-person visits are not possible. This is the perfect time to pick up the phone and call someone. No, no, I don’t mean texting. It is a woefully inadequate method of staying in touch. Call me old fashioned, but call me. Let’s chat and catch up.
• Remember all those hobbies, books, and movies you’ve had no time for in recent months? They are the magic carpet ride waiting to take you away from the concerns of the day.
• And don’t forget that laughter is the best medicine. Find something to chuckle about daily. Here’s today’s laugh from BizarroComics.com. It harkens back to a previous topic as it shows a man at an information desk. He says to the clerk, “Will you validate my parking?” She responds, “You did a great job. Evenly spaced, at nearly a perfect right angle.”

Quote #5 from Anne Lamott:

“It’s like singing on a boat during a terrible storm at sea. You can’t stop the raging storm, but singing can change the hearts and spirits of the people who are together on that ship.”

Why I like this quote: As a writer, I feel now as I felt on 9/11/01. What could I possibly write about that would have meaning when the world is turned upside down? This quote reminds me that each of us has a responsibility in tough times to be a light for others. It is my hope this story provides a flicker.

The coronavirus is here and it’s contagious, but so is positivity. Let’s all try to spread some today. Actually, I guess that is Plan B.

*****

A note to my readers: I am pleased to announce that I just updated my website. One of the new features is a page where I review books. Ohio Governor, Mike DeWine, tells us that one way to be a hero during the coronavirus pandemic is to sit at home and watch Netflix. Reading books is likewise heroic. Additionally, I have become an Amazon Affiliate Marketer, so if you click from my website to Amazon to purchase the book, I will earn a commission. Thank you for supporting my writing in this manner. If you would like to know more about the journal I mentioned in this blog, the Amazon link is below.

Stay safe everyone!! Virtually hugs, Lorie