The Nine of Swords guides us through the week of April 6 to 12, 2020.

The image clearly reflects how many of us feel, and perhaps look right now.

During times of uncertainty it is harder to find the strength and motivation to begin another day.

It is easy to give up, let fears and sadness take over.

This week will most likely give us ample reasons to despair, especially if we keep the news on as background noise.

Let’s remember that the darkest time comes just before dawn.

So concentrate on the sunrise and if you can, soak up some sun in the back yard or on your deck.

Get up, take a shower, get dressed, and tidy up your environment. You will be surprised by how such little steps can lift your spirit.

This too shall pass.

Let’s be grateful for our health, our loved ones and even the time we now have to be present and talk to each other.

Something else we can be grateful for is the advance of technology, which is helping us in so many ways.

Many are able to work from home.
We can order what we need and have it delivered.
Thanks to Cable, WiFi, Netflix and so on hours can fly by.

Imagine how much harder the situation would have been with the technology we had in the 60’s.

So get going!
If you are one of those who can work from home, consider yourself very lucky.

To those who still go out to work everyday I say thank you!
You have good reasons to feel tired, scared and discouraged, but your actions help everyone.
So please be strong. Do everything you can to protect yourself and know that you are appreciated.
You are making a difference and don’t let a few idiots here and there make you think otherwise.

To those who have let fear overcome good judgement and compassion, I say “Wake Up!”
Fear is no excuse to stock pile and leave empty shelves to others.
There is no excuse to be rude to those still working with the public. None.

So let us be kind to ourselves and to others.

We are all a bit scared and confused, but if you are reading this it means you are alive, so let’s be grateful for that.

Call your loved ones, forgive and forget.
Express your affection.
Revisit your priorities.

May love prevail over fear and selfishness.
May the lucky ones find the strength to support and comfort the others.
Rise, get dressed and find reasons to smile throughout the day.
I will try to do the same.