After Week #1 of sheltering in place, I started looking for the good things about this awful situation. Channeling my dad once again, because he was the most positive person I’ve ever known, I began to appreciate things I’ve overlooked in the past, as well as things that would not have existed if the virus hadn’t sidelined me. Little things, mostly. Of course, on some days it was easy to do this, and on other days it was impossible. I think we’ve all had (and are having) our ups and downs. I can go from mentally exhausted and depleted to singing at the top of my lungs within moments. When my patience is particularly in short supply, I force myself to grab my notebook and reread my list of silver linings. It is my greatest hope that, when you read this, you’ll be inspired to add some of your own. My list is personal and it’s random, so please don’t judge me.
In no particular order, here goes:
- Wearing sneakers, flipflops, or slippers instead of heels.
- Eating leftovers instead of tossing them.
- Saving money on gasoline (I’ve used 1/4 tank in six weeks).
- Baking and mailing goodies to my family instead of eating them myself.
- Saving money by lunching at home (even though I miss the lunch dates with friends).
- Having the time to watch Jimmy Kimmel’s “Mean Tweets” on YouTube. (I highly recommend this.)
- Also on YouTube: John Krasinski’s “Some Good News.” (Ditto.)
- Conducting virtual mediations (business clothes on the top, yoga pants on the bottom).
- Feeling peaceful in the shelter of my home.
- Netflix (enough said).
- Here’s a biggie: I’ve taken a few minutes each day to unsubscribe.
- Watching way less news.
- Cherishing the little things.
- Reaching out to people, and having others reach out to me.
- Pandora.
- Zoom.
- Taking walks and listening to podcasts.
- Remembering that I have a massage chair, and then using it.
- Receiving a text from someone I haven’t heard from in awhile, and then paying it forward by texting someone else.
- Asking and being asked, “do you need anything.”
Okay, that’s enough for now.
I think my take-away is the unexpected things I’ve enjoyed while sheltering in place. Having extra time to make someone else smile is way more important to me than mopping my kitchen floor. (It’s only going to need it again in a few days, anyway.)
If you’re feeling anxious, or depleted, or bored, or impatient, or scared, or frustrated, I urge you to take a few minutes to write down five silver linings of your own. And tomorrow, write down five more. Look for the improbable, the ridiculous, and the simplest of things and, if you’d like, share them with me.
I promise I won’t judge.
You pretty well covered all my silver linings. I have cooked a lot of new recipes and they were really enjoyed! Cleaning my house more than I should have. But then what else did I have to do?
Go for walks that I really enjoyed before it started getting hot.
But at the end of the rainbow starting next week one day a week I will have my great granddaughter for one day a week. She makes me happy and we all need to laugh and be happy!
These are so similar to mine except for the baking 🤣
Thanks again for your helpful 3 minute read!
You’re the best!
I really enjoyed reading your article. It’s scary, not knowing, and being fearful of getting the virus. Some days I’m braver than others.
This is most likely the most important and perfect 3 minute read lately ❤ So much hits the heart strings. You have an amazing way with words. Thank you for being YOU! 😇😍🙏
Great reminders for everyone, always…of course, especially in our current situation. Thank you, Nancy, for yet another thoughtful 3-minute read. Stay well, my friend.
Great read as always. A few of mine: catching up with friends that I have not talked to for awhile – (makes me realize we should have zoom calls more often anyway); sewing masks for our family; trying to eliminate some of the emotional stress of this unknown by meditating – love the Peloton apps; trying to appreciate being home, having time to do things I don’t usually have time to do.
Thank you my friend!
1. House repairs complete or on the way to be completed.
2. Time spent with family
3. One room painted and organized.
4. Removed Junk in yard(1/2 a 40 HD dumpster) We have 1/4 acre lot with lots of trees. Got rid of lots of things
from the yard and the house we did not like or appreciate anymore.
5. Old cars sold or given away.
6. Lots of yard work.
7. Inspiration to buy extra TP in February.
8. Year supply of food. (Came in handy.)
10. Reorganized pantry.
11. Website rebuilt almost. Have a little bit to go.
12. Lots of time to think and make decisions.
13. Time to catch with friends.