Dear Friend,

I’m a panicker, a worrier, and a bit of a hypochondriac. Coronavirus. The word is ubiquitous these days. The virus is causing mass pandemonium. And, strangely, this panic-driven-hypochondriac-pessimist is calm. Is this really me?

I’ve not bought cases of hand sanitizer or purchased cartons of bleach wipes. We haven’t stocked the hallway closet with toilet paper. We’ll probably run out soon with the shortage. But, we did venture out this evening for ice cream. Ice cream is a necessity, right? I’m not purposefully making light of those infected or in critical conditions, but maybe this is a call to slow down our hurried lives, take care of ourselves and our families, and get back in touch with our souls.

But, back to the ice cream. My Mister videoed his path through our local grocery shop to the ice cream freezers. On video, he caught a bit of a fight over some item between an unhappy customer and a stressed employee. It’s a little bit humorous and a whole lot sad. For me personally, fear creates anger. I’ve traced almost every bought of anger I’ve experienced to fear. Globally, we’ve entered a time of fear, and, unfortunately, that fear is causing anger, hatred, and selfishness. This is a time to love, to help, to pray, to give patience, to slow, and to calm.

I’ve been learning the past few months how connected we are as a human body. Really, we’re a whole global family. In previous blogs, I’ve shared some fair trade items and companies. I love how purchasing from these shops and ministries shrinks my world just a bit. I know the name and face of the lady who poured my candles and made my soap, the man who built my teak tub board, the women who crafted my home decor, and the artisans who carved my cutting boards and sculpted my kitchenware. We share, we trade, we love, we live together on this planet.

We are all Beloved by our Creator. We are all Beloved by our Savior. We are all Beloved by our Holy Spirit. And there is absolutely nothing that can separate us from that insanely vast love. Not even COVID-19.

I’m fascinated how this COVID-19 pandemic illustrates how interconnected we are as a human family. Maybe, just maybe, that alone can serve as a reminder and opportunity to live given and share love.

So, are you in panic mode? Beloved, as a nurse, let me share a secret with you: stress is one of the largest risk factors in nearly every single illness and major disease. Stress is right up there with smoking as a risk factor. Trust me, I’ve probably lost more than a few years of my lifespan because of stress and worry. Optimism is about as difficult as losing those stubborn pounds for me. So, why am I so calm right now when our world is chaotic? The profound answer is that I simply don’t know. I do know that I am deeply loved, and the One who made me and loves me holds me in His hands. All I have to do is trust.

Not panicking doesn’t mean that I’m unconcerned. My sweet little girl has a cold right now, so I’ve kept her home from her classes–partially because I would in normal circumstances anyway, and partially because I don’t want anyone freaking out on us. So, at the Burke home on Broadway, we’re doing everything we’d ordinarily do during cold and flu season.

Ironically, for me, and many others, this is Spring Cleaning season. If your local stores are anything like mine, the cleaning supplies aisles are wiped empty! Where the sanitizing wipes should be, there’s a posted sign apologizing for the inconvenience of being out of stock. If this is the same where you are, don’t panic! Cleaning supplies are items that are rarely if never on my shopping list. What?!?! Sounds crazy–and filthy–right? Just hear me out for a moment. These harsh cleansers actually disrupt our endocrine systems. So, unhealthy holistically in the normal household. To stay clean and physically (hormonally) balanced, make your own natural cleansers. This month, I’d planned to share some recipes I use for the cleaners in our home, and it’s perfect timing as stores are having to back order these supplies and sanitizers. Rudy BurkeRudy BurkeRudy Burke

Before sharing recipes for home cleaners, I want to write to you from my heart, in love, always with love. If you’re scared, it’s okay. I get it. My family members can tell you that I worry obsessively over everything, and I always think the worst is what’s going to happen. So, I understand the fear. And, gently, as gently as possible, may I suggest a slight shift in perspective? It’s chaos-central right now. Stress and chaos lead to decreased immunity and illness. How about instead of being fear focused, let’s be faith focused? Wait! Don’t roll your eyes just yet–keep reading, please! Let’s have faith in the One who loves us to do what’s best for us. Let’s have faith in humanity. Let’s have faith that we can and will heal. And, this, maybe just this will sound like the craziest thing you’ve heard yet: how about viewing this frightening time as a time to slow down, breathe, decrease stress, and nurture?

Believe that you’re going to be okay. You are. Focus on calm. I’ll share some ways that you can find calmness and healing.

• Stay hydrated with water and herbal teas
• Eat healthy, balanced meals
• Take vitamins, probiotics, and zinc
• Move your body
• Enjoy staying home
• Turn off televised news!
• Listen to music
• Read (want reading suggestions? Ask me!)
• Journal
• Play games
• Spring clean your home
• Take long walks
• Practice yoga
• Soak in the bathtub
• Diffuse lavender and citrus
• Take naps
• Pray
• Dance
• Do that thing you’re always putting off
• Cook homemade soup
• Sit down and call an elderly friend or relative
• Write a letter
• Craft
• Give yourself (and your spouse) a facial, pedicure, and massage
• Make love–lots!
• Light candles
• Deep breathe outside
• Spring clean your yard
• Keep teapots filled with steaming tea
• Discover a new hobby
• Begin a gratitude journal
• Sleep in
• Start seeds indoors
• Plant an indoors herb garden
• Play
• Camp out in the living room, especially if you have children
• Nurture your family as you would during any other time of illness: wash your hands, eat healthy meals, stay hydrated, sanitize you’re home, rest, up your vitamin intake, take elderberry syrup (recipe in previous blog), use a humidifier, diffuse healing oils, moisturize, relax

Wherever you are in our huge, but interconnected world, I’m sending you a hug. A hug and a cup of tea. Relax, friend; you are okay.

So much love,

Lalia

Recipes for Household Cleansers:

Hand Sanitizer

In a small bowl, mix 2/3 cup isopropyl alcohol with 1/3 cup pure aloe vera gel. Add 1 teaspoon jojoba oil and 1/8 teaspoon vitamin E. Stir in 20 drops essential oils of your preference.

Multipurpose Cleaner/Sanitizer

Fill a commercial spray bottle 1/4 of the way full with white vinegar. Add 25 drops of a protective blend essential oil (I use DoTERRA’s OnGuard, which is similar to Thieves). Add 1 Tablespoon Castile soap. Fill the rest of the way with water. Shake.I use this to clean everything– sinks, tubs, shower, counters, toilet, doorknobs, light switches, cabinets, car interior….

Foaming Hand Soap

Pour 1/4 cup Castile soap into your foaming soap dispenser. Add 1 teaspoon jojoba or sweet almond oil. Add 25 drops of your preference essential oils (I love citrus for the kitchen and evergreen + lavender for the bathroom). Fill to top with water. Shake.

Furniture Polish

Pour olive or avocado oil in commercial spray bottle to 1/3 full. Add 20 drops of lemon essential oil and 20 drops orange essential oil and 5 drops peppermint essential oil. Fill to top with water. Shake. You’ll need to shake bottle before each application. *The peppermint freshens, but also is a pest repellent.

** Remember that white vinegar is an effective natural cleanser and sanitizer. You can mix 1/2 vinegar and 1/2 water to clean mirrors, glass, floors, etc. Lemon juice is also a marvelous multipurpose cleaner. Oh, and lemon is also lovely in tea. ❤️

Enjoy your sparkling home and days of rest, precious one.