Funny motivational speaker Amy Dee’s blog,
An ancient Jewish folktale tells us that King Solomon once searched for a cure against depression. He assembled his wise men together. They meditated for a long time and gave him the following advice: Make yourself a ring and have thereon engraved the words ‘This too will pass.’ The King had the ring made and wore it constantly. Every time he felt sad and depressed, he’d look at the ring, then his mood would change, and he would feel better.
Two years ago, my dad died of Lewy body Dementia. He remained at home until two weeks before he died, but Mom needed extra help during his final months, so I moved in with them. I was happy to help, but it was stressful. Dad got confused; his confusion created anxiety, which increasingly caused him to become aggressive. Despite my years of dealing with psychiatric patients, this was my own wonderful dad. It was hard. Stress caused my eyelashes to turn white and curl like corkscrews, and I developed ringing in my ears. To calm myself, I would say, “This too shall pass.” It did. My father died hospice, surrounded by loved ones.
The coronavirus is creating challenges for everyone, everywhere.
My speaking jobs through April have been canceled. Mom’s senior facility has banned visitors. My daughter, a college student, has lost her server’s income because the coffee shop where she works has closed.
For some, this time is inconvenient and lonely. For others, this disease has caused serious financial and physical problems. Wherever you are on the spectrum, this time will be much easier for you to handle if you shift your perspective.
Shift your perspective by focusing on the idea that someday this will all be over. One day, we will understand this disease. One day, there will be a treatment and a vaccine. One day, people will again travel, eat in restaurants, return to work and our kids will be back in school.
Neither good times nor bad times last forever.
This, too, will pass.
