It is no secret or big revelation that we are living in unprecedented, and frankly, scary times. As we approach almost two months since my state has been on a stay-at-home order, I know I am not alone in feeling the mental effects of this pandemic.
Collectively, we are feeling more anxious and more scared than we have in a long time. But even in the face of all that, there are some positive lessons that I have been able to hold on to during this time. They aren't much, but if anything, I have learned now more than ever that it really is the little things that make the biggest impact.
#1 Find time to go outside
Again, no shocker at this one and I am sure that you have seen tons of Instagram posts of your friends on their socially distanced nature hikes, and that is great. But this tip is for those of you who, like me, have been having a hard time getting motivated to go outside.
Even if you are able to stand on your back porch with your morning coffee for five minutes, I strongly urge you to add it to your quarantine routine. For me, I have been going outside to play with my dog, Dempsey. I won't lie - every time I have not wanted to go, but every time I have felt 10000% better.
There's just something about a little bit of fresh air, some sunshine, and some puppy play time to put things in perspective again.
#2 Try a new hobby or pick one up you've been neglecting
Crocheting is one of those hobbies that I have been trying to get into for the last eight years, you guys. I'm not kidding. However, once all of this started, I decided that I was going to pick it up again. I usually have this thing where if I can't pick up a skill immediately, I will quit, but I stuck with it this time and made a new cloth to read my tarot cards on!
Even though my first large project isn't the best and it is far from perfect, seeing myself progress and then seeing the finished product made me feel accomplished and so great - a feeling I definitely needed during this time.
#3 Plants are our friends and have lessons, too
In a similar vein to finding time to go outside, tending to my plant babies has been incredibly satisfying. They continue to grow and thrive even while the world feels like it is collapsing around us.
And that is a meaningful lesson: even though it feels impossible, we can and will keep growing through this time. Things will change and will get better again.
#4 Events look different, but they are more meaningful than ever
I am one of many that have spent my latest birthday in the middle of the stay-at-home order, but I can honestly say it was one of the best birthdays that I have had in a while. My amazing boyfriend ordered me chocolate covered strawberries that were delivered right to our door, my best friend made me soft pretzels and brought me plants, and some other friends played games on Zoom with me.
Even though it wasn't a huge night out on the town or anything like that, I felt like it was genuinely a great time and I wouldn't trade that for anything.
#5 Community is EVERYTHING
Like me, my adorable niece also celebrated her birthday while all of this has been going on. To surprise her, my sister and brother-in-law organized a special birthday parade for her where we all lined up in our cars with signs and gifts and drove by the house to wave at her and wish her well. They were even able to get fire trucks from the local station.
As we drove by and I had to wave instead of hugging that kiddo for her birthday, I was reminded with how much we need to (safely) show up for each other right now. Even if it is as simple as sending a note to a family member, checking in with the squad in a Zoom meeting, or being one of the cars in the parade, we need each other now more than ever.
"Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise." - Les Misérables
No comments:
Post a Comment