Sande Sez: The Stages of COVID – What Day Is It?

I would love to write about sports right now; the game I just covered or the interview I just finished, but sadly, that is not the case. So I thought I would write about my situation in the hopes that it helps others know we are all in this together. 

COVID-19. CORONA VIRUS. Man, I had no idea how those words would change my life when I first heard them back in November. Three weeks ago, while in the middle of working for MLBN’s “30 Clubs in 30 Days” Arizona coverage, we got the news that spring training would be shut down. Our crew would fly home that night so they could be safe with their families. On that day, I had so many different feelings. The first one was sadness. I was so glad it had been raining and I happened to be wearing a hat that day because I used it to hide my tears and the sadness on my face. I was sad work was ending, but I was more sad that my family, my MLB Network family would be leaving. Any time I leave them, whether it’s the MLB All-Star Game or the World Series, it’s always extremely hard on me. I wear my heart on my sleeve for these people and how much I love for them. Well, this day was double hard knowing they were leaving, but also worrying and hoping everyone would be safe. So the first day of this sports shutdown was a difficult one, as I can imagine it was hard on everyone else. 

From that Thursday to Monday was shock. My body and mind were still processing it all being real. Monday night my heart turned to anger. I was so angry. I was angry at the situation, at the people I still saw out partying and enjoying their “Sunday Funday” the day before, the lady that cut me in line and took my gas pump, the man at Sprouts who was chippy with me, I was angry. I was hanging on by a thread. I knew deep down I was angry at the situation and not these people; that they were just as scared as I was, so I knew not to react to them, but man, I can be honest and say it was difficult. 

Tuesday to about Saturday turned into a form of depression. ‘Ok Sande, this is real, and it’s happening.’ So, I did what I do best when I am scared or depressed; I worked out and slept. I slept A LOT. If you know me well, you know I do NOT do well with sitting still or not working for that matter. I start to shake, I get agitated and I feel lost. I know it will pass and I let myself feel it so I can deal with it and it be over. I have found that if I ever suppress anything I am feeling, whether good or bad, it always hurts me in the end. So, I let myself feel it, but I also give myself a time limit to feel it so I don’t stay stuck. 

Sunday to the present, the moments have come in waves. Some good and some bad, but more good than bad. I wake up every day and listen to my usual worship music. I have streamed all of my church services and stay close to HIM. I know He has a plan. I know this as scary as it is, is all part of a plan. I don’t know when I will work again, but I do know the Creator and He makes all things work together for my good. Also, Psalms 42:5 right now is giving me life. 

Through this I have noticed some things. People’s true colors come out during crisis. Be mindful of who is stepping up right now for others and those that are just out to protect themselves. We are all in this together. Let’s remember that.

 Here are some tips that I have been using at home to help in this time.

1. Wake up and put Elevation Worship on 
2. Watch streamed church services from Redemption Tempe, ZOE LA and Elevation
3. Cleaning and keeping my house tidy during this time has helped a lot with anxiety 
4. Control what I can control now. That means start working on things at home that I have been wanting to do. 
5. Put a plan in place for how to create from home 
6. Meditating is so good for mental clarity, especially right now
7. At home Yoga. Hot Yoga University is streaming their classes for only $5 and also Taylor Kinnerup streams a free class on her instagram @Taykinn95 every day at 4:00
8. FaceTime with Family. My mom and I have FaceTimed quite a bit since this all went down
9. Workout in your house. I have a trainer who is offering his free workout book. He also does $20 a month online training which is perfect right now. @Ian.Simon55 on Instagram 
10. Take a walk 
11. Read a book. Keep your brain active 
12. BE NICE TO EACH OTHER, LOVE EACH OTHER 
13. Check up on people. Ask them how they are. Check up on your neighbors. 
14. DON’T hoard the toilet paper.