b"A DAY IN THE LIFE OF LIVING HOPEFUL DURING THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS By Dr. Melanie Ross Mills | Contributor How are we to stay positive during these trying times? GRATITUDE, GIFTS, GRACEMake it a challenge to pinpoint everything you're grateful for, Each day offers a new set of challenges whether it's circumstantial,receive the gifts you've been given, and embrace all grace offers.physical, emotional. We hear of people becoming deathly ill due to the Coronavirus. Our hearts hurt for those who've been laid offThroughout the day, identify what you're grateful for everything without time to prepare. We watch our economy flip onto its sidefrom having your washer and dryer working to being able to pour in a matter of days. It's easy to feel as if there's no light at the endinto your children while at home.of the tunnel, but hearing all of this news is when we must dig deep and cling to hope more than any other time. Its paramountReceivethestrengthsandgiftsyou'vebeenbornwithfrom because we must stay healthy physically, emotionally, mentally,leadership,toservanthood,fromcreativitytoadministration. and spiritually for ourselves and for the lives around us. Focus on using them during this time. (16personalities.comis a great resource.)What can we do as we're wrestling with fear, anxiety, and worry because of the current state of the world? We do what we canEmbrace all grace offers in your lifefrom the ability to forgive to control fight for our peace and cling to our hope. the capacity to love well.Here is a day in the life of being hopeful during this time: Embracing gratitude, your gifts, and a grace-filled life produces hope.MINDSETPay attention to your first five minutes in the morning. WhatsPERSPECTIVEyour first thought in the morning? Its easy to get wrapped up in taking on the perspective of the I need to watch the news? media, leaders, and others around us. Check your perspective, Must check texts? and if you find you are overcome with worry or angst, regain your perspective and make an effort to ground your eyesight in hope. I wonder how my children slept last night? Look through a lens that reminds you that this too shall pass. Wheres the remote? Tomorrow is a new day. You are going to be okay. It will be okay. This is a time to learn and grow, not a time to be overcome with FIGHT for setting your mental compass for the day with a hopefulworry and angst.perspective. Replace all other thoughts in the morning with thisA healthy perspective produces hope for the future.one sentence I am hopeful today will be a life-giving day.PLAY YES, PLAY!YousetthetonefortherestofthedayafterthesefirstfiveDuring stressful times, we can get lost and forget to enjoy life. minutes. Choose to remain hopeful at this time, no matter whatFind times in your day to be silly, dance, laugh. Tap into your the circumstances.inner child who used to run without caring about whether or not people were watching. The fun side that would play a practical A positive mindset produces hope. jokeontheirsibling.Thejoyfulyouthwhowoulddocrafts, EXERCISE puzzles, and cook.If you can work out early in the day, its a great way to relieveA childlike spirit not only allows for play, but also produces hope.stress, process through your thoughts, and get your endorphins excited about the day. You'll also be more likely to watch your diet throughout the day this way. It's easier to remain hopeful whenEditors Note: For more on living a positive life, you can reach Dr. Mills at you've relieved stress physically. melaniemills40@gmail.com or her website www.melanierossmills.com.Taking care of yourself produces hope. Read more articles by Dr. Mills at www.goodlifefamilymag.comGoodLifeFamilyMag.comAPRIL 202015"