Times are scary right now. My own mind jumps from hope to fear and back again, though I refuse to let myself dwell in the fear that seems to have gripped the world.

As countries shut down their borders and the movement of their people, sometimes I find myself at a loss for words. It gets worse when I go grocery shopping and look into the faces of those around me. All I hear these days are people expressing their concern, and I know that we simply can’t live that way if we’re going to make it through.

So, instead of sending you an update on the Coronavirus, I’m shifting toward a place of peace and hope.

I want y’all to find a place of comfort in me right now, especially if you feel like you have nowhere else to go.

What’s helping me get through these rough times is going outside. I’m trying to be respectful of the need for social distancing, while also letting friends and family know that I still care deeply about them. When all else fails, Mother Earth is still there to comfort me. 

The beautiful spring wildflowers are a reminder that “this too shall pass.” As I look upon the earth, I think about how many great periods of change it has witnessed, and it helps me put this time of change into perspective. The wildflowers are reminding me that in the middle of change when things don’t make sense (such as when one season shifts into another), once the moment has passed, then everything comes into focus.

I want to share with y’all a beautiful poem that I hope will inspire you greatly! It was written by poet William Stafford, and it’s titled “Next Time.”

Next Time

Next time what I’d do is look at

the earth before saying anything. I’d stop

just before going into a house

and be an emperor for a minute

and listen better to the wind or to the air being still.

When anyone talked to me, whether

blame or praise or just passing time,

I’d watch the face, how the mouth

has to work, and see any strain, any

sign of what lifted the voice.

And for all, I’d know more — the earth

bracing itself and soaring, the air

finding every leaf and feather over

forest and water, and for every person

the body glowing inside the clothes like a light.

I hope y’all find some comfort in my newsletters during this time of change! Also, please try and go outside (when you’re able to) and breathe in the beauty and stamina of Mother Earth!

Emma Watterson is a civilian government employee for the Navy’s Environmental Division and a holistic health coach. As a coach, she loves helping other busy parents and professionals to balance their home and work life through simple self-care techniques so they can live a happier and healthier life they deserve.