How I Am Thriving During This Quarantine
Did I just use the words thriving and quarantine within the same sentence?
Why yes I did, and today I wanted to share with you this idea of thriving during difficult circumstances. In the very beginning days of this quarantine period (we have made it a little over a month now), I knew that there were just some things that were going to have to happen during our days ahead. There would be things that I would need to do, to make it through these unscheduled and unstructured days ahead.
And to think this is what people dream of at times. Take someone who is constantly on the go, overbooked schedule, rushing to get everything done... and then put them in a situation where all of that comes to a halt. They are forced to literally go no where. See no one. Do nothing. For some, that sounds like a dream and others it brings on a whole new level of anxiety. And this is what happened to me.
I decided that there would have to be some absolute musts that needed to help me thrive during this time. See here is the thing... I don't want to just survive this time. I actually want to take away memories and valuable lessons that God is literally giving us right now. Right now, we are literally given a moment to STOP. To refocus and to reevaluate what it is that we want for ourselves in this life.
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So here are my top three things that must happen on a daily basis, and that I plan on carrying on with me post-quarantine.
1. Getting my booty outside (rain or shine).
I have always had an appreciation and love for the outdoors. We live out in the country where all you hear are the birds chirping, and wind rustling through the trees. And my most favorite spot in our house is our back porch. We have this large covered deck, that is surrounded by a canopy of trees, a large fire pit for roasting marshmallows, and so many comfy chairs and large dining table for outdoor meals.
And guess what?
I have used this space more than ever imagined during this quarantine time. Trust me when I say being outdoors is MEDICINAL. There is this energy that lives outdoors. I promise you, I could be in the biggest funk, worked up and stressed out or just in a droopy mood... and the minute that I step outdoors, my spirits are lifted and I am at peace. I saw a quote one time that mentioned that if you have an upset baby, to either give them a bath or take them outside. And I remembered all the times that my sweet girl would be upset, and I would swing with her outside - and they were right. Instant calm.
During this time, we have made sure to continue our adventures outdoors. Picnics, family meals on the back porch, splashing in our dollar general swimming pool in the driveway, chalk drawing tutorials we found online, and quick drives to overlook the mountain. The list could literally go on and on. It is my goal to incorporate the outdoors and nature in my life daily once all of this is said and done.
2. So...Much...Writing...
This I am sure does not come to you as a shocker. This is literally one of the cornerstones of Truths and Gratitude. I preach and preach about the importance of journaling and getting it all out. In fact, I feel like one of the best ways to get it all out and relieve the tensions, is through the act of writing. Whether that be from writing down your gratitudes, your goals or just a journal entry... it is so very important and here is why.
Favorites of the Day: This is just a quick word or phrase that represents my favorite moment and memory of the day. Maybe its the picnic we went on. The chance to finish that book. Or sitting in the sun. These moments are the ones you can look back at and feel immense gratitude.
Daily Journaling: This is that daily practice where I am really "into my feelings". I may be writing down my gratitudes, the things that struck me most during my day or the lessons that I learned.
3. Gifting a moment to myself.
3. Gifting a moment to myself.
I never really realized how many opportunities I actually had to take time for myself pre-quarantine. I was so wrapped up in this excuse that I was a full time working mama, who had no time within her day to devote to herself. Of course my schedule was busy, and I do have many responsibilities just like you do as well. But its not that I didn't have the time, its that I was using that time for other things instead of what I really wanted to use it for.
Now more than ever, during this quarantine we aren't really ever alone (if we have a family or spouse). Now everyone is together in the same space, and we are all trying to do various things. Working, schooling, crafting and the list could go on and on. This time is gorgeous and priceless, and to be honest we will probably never get an opportunity like this again.
But it is very important to take some time for yourself, not just during quarantine... but here on out, until the end of time. Wake up early and grab that coffee and do whatever your heart desires. I was really bad about this before, because I was already getting up early for work. But now I see the power in this. There is nothing worse than waking up, foggy brained and needing to pee, and being forced into responsibilities right from the get go. Fully waking up physically and mentally, allows you to greet the day and get you ready to go.
This time could also include movement. Daily movement like a walk, run, hike, exercise routine...something needs to happen for yourself as well. And you do have the time. Just got to make it happen.
These musts that I have identified have become my truths. These truths are tools that are bringing me just a little bit of stability and light during a trying time. And there will always be trying times, but now I have these tools to help me thrive instead of survive.
How are you thriving?