Hello from our new world of social distancing and quarantine! Let me start by being honest! I have found it difficult to write at this time. I have started and stopped more times than I would like to admit… These are such strange times! Times we have never seen in our lifetime. Who knew in a little over a week our world would change so quickly? There are so many unknowns right now! You are walking through it and so are we here in the Archer household. Although there are a lot of questions about what tomorrow may bring, my heart is filled with great hope! I have hope that good things will result from all of this! For now, we are taking one day at a time. What other choice do we have?!

Ok! This seriously might be a bit cheesy. That’s probably why I’ve hesitated to write. Plus in all honesty, these things may be completely obvious to everyone. Yet, I have decided to share it anyway! I’d rather have a little “cheese” and some positivity than give way to fear and worry. As a way to deal with these strange days, this popped into my mind… a strategy to cope! To me, the word cope can have a negative connotation, but the definition simply states: “to deal effectively with something difficult.” We are all experiencing difficult times and having to make adjustments. My heart in sharing today is that you find something life-giving. Maybe another way to C.O.P.E. in this weird time or just to know you are not alone. Here is how I am choosing to focus each day…

C. Create – Don’t Stop Being Creative!

“C” is for create. Being creative always brings me life and I am sure it will bring you life too! How can you be creative each day in your home? It does not have to be fancy or even good… just create something… draw, color, paint, re-decorate that room you’ve been wanting to, sew, write… just to name a few things. For me, creativity came this week by playing with flowers. About a month ago I took on a small part-time job in a flower shop. I always knew I loved flowers, but had no idea how much! Here is one arrangement I got to create this week.

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Don’t have a flower shop to work in? No problem… Here is a little something I created completely from my mom’s backyard and wildflowers from the side of the road. It may not be as fancy as the flowers from the shop, but I got creative! That’s what matters. Best of all it was completely free! With spring in bloom, what can you create with what is around you? Find something that brings you life and keep creating!

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O. Open – Keep an Open Heart & Mind!

For “O” my word is open. Do you know the saying, “The only constant in life is change”? It practically feels like our world changed overnight! In this time of change, I am finding peace when my heart and mind stay open. Open to the idea that things will look different for a while. Different than what I originally thought or planned.

All of our lives have changed in many ways… from work to school for our kids, to what our grocery stores look like and more. On a personal note, this also pertains to our upcoming move to Keller, Texas. We originally planned to move when school was out for summer. Now that schools have closed indefinitely our time-line may look a little different. We are taking one decision at a time. In keeping my heart open I don’t get locked in or focused on a particular outcome. I am simply open. Open to decide the next best thing. Open to allow change to make me better. Open to hear God in this time and follow His voice. How can you stay open and adapt to the changes thrown your way through this uncertainty?

P. Productivity – Get It Done!

“P” is for being productive! With so many of us home-bound what a perfect time for projects we’ve put off because we haven’t had the time! What is something you’d like to accomplish? What is something new you could be learning? What book could you read? How about that spring-cleaning? or gardening? I know many of you are working, plus you might be homeschooling too. That in itself is being productive! Cheers to you! But if you find you have a little more time on your hands than before tackle that task you’ve been wanting to get done!

Around here my first goal was to get taxes done. After being out of school for a week, my teenage daughter Emma was more than willing to jump in too! We put on an old movie, “The Never-ending Story” and went to work! Boom! Productivity meets new education for my teenager! Win! Win!

Today was also productive as I helped my son, Noah start his first lawn care job in the neighborhood. He said to me today, “Making money is better than school.” Little does he know he is getting an education by starting this little business! Another win, win in my book!

E. Exercise – Gotta Keep Moving!

Finally, “E” for exercise. It just makes me feel better! That’s it! It doesn’t have to be much… a walk, maybe a jog on a good day, some yoga, squats, sit-ups… I am just a better version of myself when I keep moving. Wherever you live, I am sure your gym (if you go to one) has closed like mine. So, I want to know… how are you continuing to move?

I know one thing I see in all this, more people out in the neighborhood walking, riding bikes, kids on scooters, joggers. I must admit it is refreshing to take in. Life has slowed us down and people are getting outside with their families! Bravo!!

Because gyms have closed I wanted to offer a few resources in case you are looking for ways to either stay active or start something new. For jogging I have used these apps:

• C25K = Couch to 5K. I use this app often. It a great way to start small when it comes to running.
• 10K = an app for building your running distance; great for those who are already running a 5K.
• Adidas = an app to track your distance, speed and more.

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As a bonus, here is a workout my physical therapist, Jodi, posted the other day. The only thing you need is a jump rope. – If you are in the Abilene area and need a P.T., I highly recommend her. You can follow her at Body Worx on Facebook and Instagram. She the best!

Of course, there are tons of on-line resources out there! I don’t have to tell you that… what you are looking for is only a google search away, but if I can help in any way feel free to reach out! Let’s keep moving together!

To wrap things up, I’d like to know how you are coping during this time? What are your strategies? What are you finding helpful? I’d love to hear all about it! Shoot me a comment and let’s get through this together! In the meantime, I pray for your health and safety! May God give you peace in this time of challenge and change! If every I can pray for you specifically, I’d love to do that! Just let me know!

With Love, Archer Bloom