By Janet Domke, RN BSN

We’ve all heard the saying, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”  Well, these past few months have given us a bunch of lemons. It’s up to you to decide if you’re going to make lemonade, or let the lemons go bad.

We have all gone through stages of emotions and states of being – shock, sadness, grief, depression, happiness. Many of us may have lost a job, a business, a loved one. Many of us have become our children’s teachers while working from home. Many of us have cherished this time with family and realized the importance of spending quality time together. Whatever you’ve done with these past few months, you are still here, and you still have the chance to make lemonade with those lemons that have been handed to you.

This may sound silly, but someone told me recently, “the best lessons come out of our worst times.” So ask yourself these two questions:

  1. What lessons have you learned during this season?
  2. What advice would you give to someone during this stage of life?

Here are some responses we received:

  • We are going to be all right.
  • Stay open to learning, use critical thinking, and just breathe.
  • Turn fear into opportunity.
  • Pursue something you enjoy – try something new – use this time as an opportunity.
  • Don’t take your fears out on others. Be compassionate. You are not the only one affected by this situation. Let’s try to come together.
  • Be present in the moment. Be kind to yourself. Grow, learn, be the best version of yourself today – and repeat every day.
  • This too shall pass.
  • If we can’t change the environment, then choose to make yourself stronger. Keep healthy and strong.
  • There is a silver lining in every situation, no matter what it is. Find joy where you are, create it for yourself and others.

As we go through this season of life, think about the opportunities that may be around you. Do not be blinded by the problems in front of you. Put your fear aside and feed your faith. This time of stress, frustration, depression and anxiety will pass. Let’s take those lemons and squeeze them to make the tastiest lemonade we have ever had!

 

Janet Domke, RN BSN is the clinical coordinator of Mather Hospital’s Bariatric and Robotic Centers of Excellence. She has been a registered nurse since 2005. She received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Stony Brook University and has completed courses in holistic nursing. She joined the Bariatric team in 2014 and is pursuing her certification in bariatric nursing.