Finding The Joy In Uncertain Times

As I write this, my husband and I were supposed to be aboard a cruise with our friends; a Southern Caribbean, 7 night getaway. We had planned it for 15 months. There were cruise parties to plan excursions, countdowns on our phones, and planning that ever important cruise wardrobe. Then this unexpected virus hit the U.S. with a vengeance.  Within a few weeks, stores were running out of supplies, restaurants and stores were closing, and we are now under a shelter-in-place order within our state.  All good decisions that will hopefully over time reduce exposure as much as possible. It all happened so fast. I think many people, including myself, are still trying to digest what is going on, how to embrace our new normal, and what the future holds for all of us.

So reflecting on these past few weeks, I have experienced many emotions.  As I am sure you can relate, right? I have decided to embrace this time and focus on the good and the joy each day can bring.  Some days this is easier said than done, but I do my best each day to find that peace of mind in the midst of all the craziness. It’s kind of strange as time passes I almost feel a strange calm as we live this slower paced life.

There are so many things out of our control right now. For me I am trying to focus on what I can control, and keep believing that each day we are moving ever closer to the end of this pandemic.

Here is a list of some of the things I have been doing to keep my mind calm, positive and healthy:

1. I am spending more quality time with my family and it has been wonderful.  Not having a schedule forces that time. We love it!
2. I stopped watching the news every day, all day.  It isn’t that I don’t want to be informed, it was just really getting to me.  So now I limit my exposure and it’s helped!
3. I have been working out regularly, too.  Either walking with my bestie (while practicing social distancing), or online workouts, or using our treadmill.  It has really made a difference and breaks up the monotony while working from home.
4. I have started to spring clean my house, organize things, paint rooms, etc.  Feels great to be getting that done.
5. I am reading more.  Believe it or not I have been watching less TV being home all the time than before. I am enjoying the time I am spending reading.

We have at the very least 2 more weeks of being at home here in Michigan and truth be known, probably more. The aftermath of all this is unsettling for sure, but I continue to have hope and faith that this will pass and there will be a new normal for us all.

As we move through these next few weeks look for the joy in the little things.  Find joy in the conversations with family.  Host a virtual happy hour with friends.  Start looking toward that late summer or fall family vacation or get together. Remember to look for the good in each day.  We will get through these uncertain times

Many thanks to all the first responders, medical staff, grocery store employees, and all the other people putting their health at risk to help others.  Thank you for all you do each and every day!

Stay safe and healthy!

Xoxo

Char