I was going to wait until the end of the month to blog again, but that little voice I listen to inside my head, says today. How has the first three weeks of January been? Are you sticking with those resolutions or did you do like me and make promises instead?
I am proud to say, I am still waking up and going to sleep with so much gratitude in my heart. During the hours in between there have been a few hiccups, but all in all, it’s been great. Last week I almost landed in the ditch when a gentleman cut me off. He seemed to be in a hurry and I just wasn’t moving fast. I was extremely grateful for those fancy new tires on my Jeep that kept me on the road. I prayed the man made it to his destination safely. Then there was the favorite sweater that got mixed up in the wrong laundry pile. I hope the love I felt wearing it will give joy to the child who gets it next.
When something irritating happens, instead of getting upset, I’m training my mind to find the good. I didn’t go in the ditch and I enjoyed that favorite sweater for 4 years before I accidentally shrunk it. Even the unexpected medical bill I can’t take care of until next month. It will get paid. My point is, you can keep letting the unexpected crap ruin your day and your mood or you can take charge and not allow your mind to run amuck.
Yesterday, on my morning drive into work, I experienced the most gorgeous sunrise. I have a thing about sunrises, as many of you know if you follow me on instagram. I was driving along Lake Elmo and I had to stop and get out of my car to watch it. It was below zero and windy, yet the beauty I watched seemed to keep me so warm. When I climbed back in my Jeep, I took a few minutes to tell God how much I loved his morning gift. While I chatted away, a man pulled up next to me and asked if I was okay. I told him I was just thanking the Lord for the beautiful sunrise. He stared for a moment, then told me to have the most amazing day and he thanked me for the reminder. I had the best day!
It’s three weeks into January and I feel awesome. I have a new book coming out next week about the unconditional love between a little girl and her great grandmother. It’s called Broken and it’s available from both Amazon and Barnes&Noble. I spent more time at the yoga studio than I have the last few months of 2021. I’ve been sleeping more, relaxing more and taking care of things I’ve been ignoring. I’ve been avoiding drama, loving my job, laughing and spreading as much joy and love as I possibly can. I think 2022 is coming along nicely.
Life is all about faith and attitude. Only you get to decide how your life is going to be
I think I said the same thing last year, goodbye 2020. Little did I know that 2021 would be the craziest and hardest year yet.
2021 was a year of letting go. I learned not to have expectations. Not in people, the economy, jobs, life or even myself. Change was a constant roller coaster. Plans were cancelled without notice, people stayed isolated more than ever and then there were the goodbyes. There never seemed to be the chance to really say goodbye.
I’ll be honest, it’s taking a long time to really understand and accept that some of my favorite people have left this world. There’s a fog that surrounds me at times as I reach for the phone to call them, only to realize there’s no cell service in heaven. It’s hard and what I wouldn’t give for another day or even an hour or two.
2021 was the year I figured out I needed to put myself first. It took getting sick. I thought I was pretty healthy until I went in for a routine physical and the doctors found cancer in two entirely different parts of my body. I was lucky as both were early stages. I have a bad habit of putting off physicals for years. It had been four or five this time. I am so grateful for the little voice in my head that kept telling me ‘it’s time, just make the darn appointment’.
2021 has tested me. It’s made me question so many parts of my life. What my goals are, who I spend my time with, and what I waste time doing. I’ve decided I’m not making resolutions this year but promises. Promises to myself. I spent the last part of 2021 soul searching for what I truly want in life, what makes me the happiest and what I want to be remembered for.
Starting today 1-1-2022…
I woke up with immense gratitude. I survived a year from hell. I’m getting stronger every day and I surround myself with love. I am enough and I have enough.
My desire for my life is to share love. I spend my days listening and helping people feel good, be it my job or my words. I want to add a bit of magic to every person I cross paths with. So many people are hurting inside and they can be great at hiding it. I know because I’m really good at hiding pain. A smile, a hug and a kind word can make a huge difference. Go the extra mile. It fills my heart.
I’m distancing myself from toxicity. I’ve stepped back from people who drain me or cause me to doubt myself. Friends who, let’s be frank, don’t really give a damn about anything but their own agenda. Life is short and I don’t have time to waste. I can’t change anyones mindset. I can’t make the pain go away nor can I stop someone from repeatedly looking at the bad or making stupid decisions. You have to want to help yourself. By surrounding myself with like minded people, I have so much more to give.
I’m making myself a priority. It means sleep and vacations. It means eating healthy and exercise. It means laughter and wonder and doing what makes me feel incredible. It means sharing the joy inside of me with those around me. I wrote this list and put it where I see it multiple times a day.
Start each day with gratitude.
Love what you do.
Walk away from toxicity and drama.
Take a walk and breathe, notice everything single thing around you.
Looks for the miracles.
Look for the magic.
Make a difference to someone. Start small and add more each day and notice how good you begin to feel.
Do something for yourself, something to fill you up.
End your day with gratitude
Remember, you are amazing, you are beautiful and you are loved. Follow your heart and do what’s right for you, not what others want of you. There is this incredible human inside waiting to break free and change the world
Every day when we wake up, we make a choice. Do we get up or go back to sleep. Do we moan because we don’t want to start the day or do we give thanks because it’s a new day, a day to start over, a day to find something wonderful. Do we worry about what we don’t have or do we feel good because of everything we’ve been blessed with. Do we end our day with frustration because the day may not have gone as we planned or do we feel thankful for each new experience.
How we begin and end our day is a roadmap to how our lives play out. It’s all up to us and it’s a choice, our choice. We can let the negativity in and allow everything around us to metastasize like a cancer. We’ve all had those times, one bad thought leads to another, to another and so on until the whole day is down the toilet before its even begun. Or the what-ifs start running through your mind, picturing every bad scenario playing out, each one getting worse and worse until you just give up before you even try.
Or…we can change that picture I just put into your head and create something beautiful. It isn’t always easy and it may take some time but you can do it. I’ve learned to do it every day and believe me, it makes a huge difference. Talk to yourself. Be it inside your head or out loud for the air to hear you, talk to yourself. Have huge conversations with yourself as you drive your car or walk around the block. Why cares what others who see you may think. We’re all a little crazy anyway. Give yourself encouragement and positive thoughts and words. Remind yourself you’ve made it through hell and back before and survived. When your mind goes negative, scream at it. Stop the thought process right now. Don’t give it time to manifest, just stop it. Think of babies or puppies or a beach, anything that makes you smile.
I used to figure out what was the worst that could happen. Then I realizes the probability of that happening was usually slim. Now I do what I can and I look to my faith. Nine and a half times out of ten, everything works out fine. The few times it doesn’t? Later, I find myself being thankful it didn’t work out. Some things are just not meant to be and once we realize that, life gets a whole lot easier.
I start my day by taking care of me first. I meditate. I take long deep breaths. I clear my head of everything. Then I have my conversations with God. I ask him to show me what I need to do and I thank him because I know already, it’s going to be a great day. I do my yoga practice, I walk my dogs, I fix a cup of hot tea and I write. I start my day with calm. I replenish my heart and my soul so that I can give throughout my day. Anything crazy just needs to wait.
As I go about the rest of my day, I smile at strangers along with those I know, I give encouragement, I open doors. I ask about the day, the kids, the job…and I listen. People feel better when they know they are heard. It means they matter. I make a conscious effort everyday to make a difference to someone who crosses my path. Most of the time, I think I succeed. I try to limit my time with extremely negative individuals. You know the ones, nothing is ever good and they live for drama? The ones that no matter how much you’ve tried to help, they refuse to listen and they suck you dry. I limit the time with them. They need to find their own peace, their own way. It’s okay to say no to them and walk away. You have to make your own choices.
I end my day with more mediation and with thanks. I give thanks for the experiences of the day. I give thanks that I found a little extra to give someone. That I found time to dance, to laugh, to cry and that I made a difference somehow. I end my day knowing I did the best I could with what I had and I specially give thanks for tomorrow if it comes, because tomorrow starts a new beginning all over again.
Life is a choice and only you get to choose if you want to be happy
Every day when we wake up, we make a choice. Do we get up or go back to sleep. Do we moan because we don’t want to start the day or do we give thanks because it’s a new day, a day to start over, a day to find something wonderful. Do we worry about what we don’t have or do we feel good because of everything we’ve been blessed with. Do we end our day with frustration because the day may not have gone as we planned or do we feel thankful for each new experience.
How we begin and end our day is a roadmap to how our lives play out. It’s all up to us and it’s a choice, our choice. We can let the negativity in and allow everything around us to metastasize like a cancer. We’ve all had those times, one bad thought leads to another, to another and so on until the whole day is down the toilet before its even begun. Or the what-ifs start running through your mind, picturing every bad scenario playing out, each one getting worse and worse until you just give up before you even try.
Or…we can change that picture I just put into your head and create something beautiful. It isn’t always easy and it may take some time but you can do it. I’ve learned to do it every day and believe me, it makes a huge difference. Talk to yourself. Be it inside your head or out loud for the air to hear you, talk to yourself. Have huge conversations with yourself as you drive your car or walk around the block. Why cares what others who see you may think. We’re all a little crazy anyway. Give yourself encouragement and positive thoughts and words. Remind yourself you’ve made it through hell and back before and survived. When your mind goes negative, scream at it. Stop the thought process right now. Don’t give it time to manifest, just stop it. Think of babies or puppies or a beach, anything that makes you smile.
I used to figure out what was the worst that could happen. Then I realizes the probability of that happening was usually slim. Now I do what I can and I look to my faith. Nine and a half times out of ten, everything works out fine. The few times it doesn’t? Later, I find myself being thankful it didn’t work out. Some things are just not meant to be and once we realize that, life gets a whole lot easier.
I start my day by taking care of me first. I meditate. I take long deep breaths. I clear my head of everything. Then I have my conversations with God. I ask him to show me what I need to do and I thank him because I know already, it’s going to be a great day. I do my yoga practice, I walk my dogs, I fix a cup of hot tea and I write. I start my day with calm. I replenish my heart and my soul so that I can give throughout my day. Anything crazy just needs to wait.
As I go about the rest of my day, I smile at strangers along with those I know, I give encouragement, I open doors. I ask about the day, the kids, the job…and I listen. People feel better when they know they are heard. It means they matter. I make a conscious effort everyday to make a difference to someone who crosses my path. Most of the time, I think I succeed. I try to limit my time with extremely negative individuals. You know the ones, nothing is ever good and they live for drama? The ones that no matter how much you’ve tried to help, they refuse to listen and they suck you dry. I limit the time with them. They need to find their own peace, their own way. It’s okay to say no to them and walk away. You have to make your own choices.
I end my day with more mediation and with thanks. I give thanks for the experiences of the day. I give thanks that I found a little extra to give someone. That I found time to dance, to laugh, to cry and that I made a difference somehow. I end my day knowing I did the best I could with what I had and I specially give thanks for tomorrow if it comes, because tomorrow starts a new beginning all over again.
Life is a choice and only you get to choose if you want to be happy
Did you ever wonder if the last year was going to end? Think about it. 2020 was a year that tested each and every one of us in one way or another. I started out thinking 2020 was going to be my year. A year I planned to accomplish a lot. The truth is…I did, just not the things I had planned on. I’ve decided to call 2020 a year of discoveries because the lessons I’ve learned this past year far outweigh any accomplishments I had planned.
Life Lessons for the pandemic and crazy year ❤️
It’s a good thing to set goals. We all have dreams. Dreams are what make us move forward and setting goals helps make that happen. Just don’t set everything in stone because as many of us have discovered in 2020, God has a way of letting us know he is in control, not us. I used to have everything written down. Step one, step two, step three, along with dates and master plans. 2020 taught me things don’t always follow the timeline. Sometimes you just have to go with it and have a little (or a lot) of faith.
Everyone weathers the storms differently. Some stay calm and some freak out. Some people get angry, emotional, stoic, judge mental and crazy. I found out that a pandemic can really bring out the ugly in some people and it bring out amazing compassion in others. We need to do what’s right for us instead of deciding what everyone else is doing wrong. Fear is powerful but love is even stronger.
In the spirit of being forced into not working for a few months, I’ve learned I really do have more than enough. I started cleaning out drawers, cupboards, closets, any place I sort of let the stuff pile up. I’m trying to embrace a more minimalistic approach in life. (Let’s call that a work in progress.) If it wasn’t useful in the life I’m trying to lead, I let it go. I donated, sold or simply gave the stuff I didn’t need or want, away. I learned the less I have, the easier it is to make a decision. It also makes me much calmer being surrounded by simplicity rather than clutter. And it was great to find others that could use the stuff I didn’t need. Repurpose, reuse and recycle. it’s a win-win.
Staying home has made me appreciate the solitude I used to fear. It’s made me take a hard look at myself and who I chose to spent my time with. I was constantly on the go. There was someplace to be literally every single day. When the state first shut everything down, I didn’t know what to do with myself. I was a wreck. Slowly, over a few weeks, I came to really like this new pace. I took naps in the afternoon and walked my dogs in the early morning. I spent hours outside working in my yard. I paddleboarded, I read and I wrote a bit. I learned I didn’t miss the pace I had been living, not at all. I also didn’t miss the negativity, the pessimism and the judgement I was experiencing from some of the people I had been hanging out with. The more weeks that passed in lockdown, I learned who took the time to check on others, just to see if they needed anything or to let them know someone cared. I learned who I genuinely missed and who I did not. That’s a harsh one. One of those kind of life lessons that really hurts. But I also learned that when you let go of those people in your life that are not good for you right now, it creates room for God to bring in new friends. It’s that faith thing again. Trusting God to know what’s best.
I took the time for self care. Taking long walks and going for hikes through many of the parks scattered around the area that I had never explored. Meditation and daily yoga, lots of sleep and experimenting with new recipes that I never had time to try. I hit the farmers market at 6:30 am every weekend, getting there early enough so social distancing wouldn’t be an issue. I found the greatest local meat markets for the best chicken and steaks. Shopping local whenever possible.
Going into 2021, in spite of crazy year we just finished, I’m optimistic on so many levels. I’m calmer than I’ve been in years. I’m happy and I look at life a little different because of the lessons 2020 taught me. I am surrounded by wonderful people and each day, I will try to do the best I can with what I am given. Remember, like attracts like. If you want good things in your life, give good things back. Treat others as you want to be treated, be kind, be compassionate, forgive and give. Give until it hurts and then give some more, give of yourself. It always comes back.
Let’s make 2021 the year of Kindness. Let’s make 2021 Magical
Yesterday I found a comment on one of my posts and it made me stop in my tracks…Like immediately come to a stop and suck in my breath. Let me first say, I respect differences. We all have the right to choose. Our beliefs, our faith, our political party, how we live our lives and raise our kids. If we want to get up in the morning and go to work or stay in bed. Everything in life is a choice. We. Get. To. Choose.
That being said, we can also choose to be kind and accept each other’s differences or we can be mean and try to bully other people into thinking the same way. Personally, I always thought the bully crap would end in high school. It hurts to know that as a bully grows into an adult, they get worse.
Our world seems to have split in two. Two sides in politics, two sides in faith and two side in medicine. Each side has reasons, valid reasons. But here’s the deal. I have the right to choose and I have the right to walk away, unfriend, block and ignore anyone who feels they have the right to bully or persecute me. No-one has the right to hurt another, no one and if you think you do? I don’t want you in my world.
Words can hurt and once said or written, they can’t be taken back. I know its tough out there, it’s scary and people are angry and frustrated. Now more than ever, we need to work together. We need to lift each other up and give each other hope. Think before you speak. Take a moment before the words spill forth and ask yourself…will this help? Will this make a difference?
I love it when I see the signs saying just breathe. It’s my constant reminder these days. Have you ever consciously realized how many times a day you stop breathing? Be it fear, joy, anxiety, amazement…we hold our breath without realizing it. Whenever I was in a situation where negativity is happening, I realized I was holding my breath, which in turn was causing my body to tense. Anxiety, fear and anger were the end result of a constant cycle and it was damaging me in more ways than one. Turn on the news and watch your anxiety levels rise. It’s no wonder so many people are ill. Negativity is surrounding us.
An essential part of my yoga practice is connecting my breathing with the movements and reactions of my body. Inhale the good, exhale the bad…inhale the positive and exhale the negative. I attend guided yoga classes three to four times a week, besides my personal practice at home. For me, it works. I’ve learned that for one hour a day, nothing penetrates the peacefulness I find in my practice. But I learned I needed more.
For the last few weeks, I’ve been using the breathing techniques from my yoga practice all day. When I’m working and the conversation goes strongly political, rather than argue…I concentrate on my breathing. By slowing my breaths and remaining silent, I’m preventing the negativity from invading my body. It’s not perfect and I need a lot of practice but I have to say, it is helping.
What we are living through right now, Covid, the violence, the suspicion and the political upheaval, It’s wrong on every level. I refuse to call it the new normal. Think about it, we’ve lived through so much and made it through. Think of the sixties and all the protesters, the plagues and the pandemics that happened before we even had a name to call it. Vietnam, the Gulf war, Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan. The Oklahoma bombing, 9/11, the Boston Marathon bombing. Just in my lifetime alone, we’ve crawled through tough times.
What I always remembered is the way people came together and helped each other. Maybe my world was different but I never asked if someone was republican or democratic. I didn’t pay attention to the color of their skin or what church they went to. I didn’t ask bank account info or where they were born. I saw others who needed what I could give. I didn’t think twice, ask a bunch of questions or analyzed the situation to death… I reached out and helped in any way I could. We need to get back to that. We need to bring back the kindness.
People are scared. They’re angry and confused and they are lashing out. But does more violence help? The looting and the vandalism hurts the neighborhoods, the families who shop there and the people who’ve spent their lives building a dream. It’s not hurting Corporate America. It’s not hurting the crooked political government. It’s hurting all of us, the little people trying to survive. We need a different way.
There was a soda commercial when I was a kid with all these people walking hand in hand singing. I think we all need a reminder of the words to that song
I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing (In Perfect Harmony) The New Seekers
I’d like to build the world a home And furnish it with love Grow apple trees and honey bees And snow white turtle doves I’d like to teach the world to sing In perfect harmony I’d like to hold it in my arms And keep it company I’d like to see the world for once All standing hand in hand And hear them echo through the hills For peace through out the land (That’s the song I hear) I’d like to teach the world to sing In perfect harmony I’d like to teach the world to sing In perfect harmony I’d like to build the world a home And furnish it with love Grow apple trees and honey bees And snow white turtle doves I’d like to teach the world to sing In perfect harmony I’d like to hold it in my arms And keep it company I’d like to see the world for once All standing hand in hand And hear them echo through the hills For peace through out the land
Just think about it. Small acts of kindness go a long way and to be honest, we need all the help we can get
I can remember thinking I would never make it to sixty. It seemed like some mythical number off in the distance. Of course, back then, everything in life was hard. I worked hard, I played hard, I was raising my little girl all on my own and I remember thinking every day ‘I’m tired’. It was also a time when I looked at my grandparents and foolishly thought sixty was old. Let’s fast forward that constant moving time machine….sixty is far from old
At sixty, I’ve learned a lot things, wisdom I wish I could have embraced in my twenties and thirties. But here’s the thing, wisdom, really great wisdom, is rarely understood or followed when we are young. We need to walk through a little (or a lot) of hell to truly understand the wisdom.
My younger me had to pack thirty-six hours into a twenty-four hour day, seven days a week. I had do do everything right away. I was afraid to miss anything going on, everything had to be perfectly right all the time. I rarely went to bed before midnight, if I was lucky. Now, I’m content with a good nights sleep and nap in a sunny place on a beautiful day, and a good book. The work, the phone calls, the cleaning, the laundry? It will get done in due time. Our children grow up fast. They don’t need us later, they don’t need to hear in a minute or tomorrow. They need us now while they want to spend time with us. Parents too. If you are blessed to still have your parents with you as I am, take the time with them, listen to their stories. I love hearing about their youth and the history of their lives.
My younger me collected too many things. The house, the cars, the toys, closets full of clothes and shoes, the latest and greatest gadgets. So much stuff…too much stuff. Now, I treasure simplicity. I can’t relax when there are too many things around me. I’ve spent the last year letting go of a large portion of this stuff. I’ve decluttered, sold or donated so much and I still have a ways to go. I’m having fun repurposing treasures I’ve rediscovered. It’s amazing what a bit of paint and a sander will do to what I used think of junk. The old jeans I’ve kept in the back of my closet all these years? Some funky fabric and the art of embroidery, which my mom taught me when I was a kid, have created a masterpiece.
My younger me blindly believed the family and friends I love would always be there. I’ve cried so many tears learning the hard truth on this one. I thought I have time…lots of time but the reality is, life can change in an instant, in the blink of an eye everything you hold so dear can change. I could be sharing a glass of wine and some laughter one night and the next day? My friend is gone forever. Accidents, unexpected illness, it happens to all of us. I hate goodbyes. I always have, but it happens. Every day is precious. Every laugh, every hug and every story shared…is a gift. Don’t throw it away. Work will always be there, but family and friends may not.
My younger me worried so much about how I looked, the weight I gained or lost, was I dressed right for the occasion… I worried about other people’s opinions of me and did I fit in, was I good enough, smart enough, pretty enough. Would I ever meet the right guy, find love again and settle down. I stressed over so many things that really didn’t matter. Now, when I look back, I have to laugh. At sixty? I honestly don’t give a damn. I am who I am and it you don’t like it? It’s not my problem. Your opinion of me isn’t my business. I work hard, I take care of myself so I can do the things I dream of. To me, a few wrinkles and grey hairs are a beautiful story waiting to be told. I’m too busy living my life and loving those I choose to be a part of my world, than to worry what others think.
Life isn’t a race. I don’t need to cross a finish line or finish everything I start. Life is about living. It’s takes many of us years to figure that out. Experiences and people matter so much more than things. When I look back over the last sixty years, I have few regrets and lots of wishes and dreams. The biggest thing I would have changed was time wasted over things that really didn’t matter. My biggest lesson was learning to trust that little voice inside my heart telling me when to go for it and when to let go.
My life has been a journey, an amazing journey filled with wonderful people and incredible experiences. I’ve experienced heartache and pain from the loss of so many loved ones over the years. Yet those I’ve loved are in my heart everyday. My mind is a movie projector of memories. I can close my eyes feel the presence of the ones who have moved on. I’ve had adventures and lived dreams that many haven’t been able to experience. My life has been a blessing in every possible way.
The beauty of it all…is it isn’t over yet. Turning sixty doesn’t mean I’m getting old, it means I am looking at life in a different way. No matter what is happening around me, I choose not to live in fear. I have sixty years of learning and I have faith. My dream is to be able to make a difference in the lives of those around me. To make their worlds shine a little brighter in some way. God has a plan for me and he isn’t done with me yet. That little voice inside of me is still talking.
XOXO……
Sidney
Be the change you want to see happening around you. Live your dream, it’s never too late
I planned on using this forced time off to finish up an entire list of projects… In my defense, I managed a few. I started off good, after the initial shock of being told I couldn’t work, shop or visit my family and friends. Rooms got painted and the garage finally was cleaned out. Organization is moving like a tornado through the whole house which is filling up the garage again, as the donation sites are still closed.
I can’t remember if it’s Tuesday or Wednesday, if its seven weeks or eight weeks now or when I can go back to work. Remember, salons are not essential. (I’ve been watching all you policitans on TV and I can tell who is visiting back-door-Betty for hair services.)
What I have not minded is sleeping in once in a while and allowing my body to rest. Taking my dogs for walks two or three times a day. Catching up of Netflix, (There are some really strange things on Netflix friends…really) and reading. I also appreciated being able to stay home when I woke up last week with a toothache. The dentist offices were still closed and it took until Monday afternoon to get an appointment. Now it’s a week’s wait for a root canal. That’s over seven days of living on antibiotics and heavy pain killers all because everything is closed. It’s a crazy world out there.
Social media is filled with angry people offering their opinion. Open up everything, stay home, stay safe. I see both sides. People are scared and emotions are high. Not everyone is in the same boat during this storm. Some are petrified of getting the Covid-19. Others are scared of losing everything they’ve worked their whole lives for and both sides are screaming at each other. I’m watching the worst come out of some genuinely beautiful people. To be honest, that scares me most of all
Life has always been hurry up, push it harder, work more, I’ll do that when I retire, someday… How many of you are thinking someday is now? While I’m staying home, I might as well plan some trips to places I’ve dreamed of. I know it won’t be next month but it’s going to be sooner than someday.
I’m taking a step back here. What is the most important? Do a little research, there have been quite a few pandemics. Some were in my lifetime and I heard nothing or very little about them. We survived. According to this article, there was a pandemic going on during Woodstock.
Yes its life changing and yes, things are going to be different, at least for a while. We will get through this. Have a little faith and a whole lot of compassion.
Has it really been 4 weeks? I had to go back and check my calendar and it is. It’s been a little over 4 weeks today the Governor proclaimed my job as a stylist non-essential and the salon closed. Two weeks have turned into a month and still counting. It’s a day by day thing.
The first week, I found myself living in denial. Like so many others I know, I went through the motions. Everything and anything to keep busy. I made to-do lists and checked out paint chips. I drew up a game plan for my gardens and cleaned out the closets. I kept telling myself this will over soon…give it a week…it’s being blown way out of proportion. Then REALITY HIT.
Now we are into week four. At the advise of a very wise friend, I quit watching the news. My routine became disinfecting the house every morning and then again before I went to bed. I love my steam mop. A little water mixed with essentials oils works wonders. I walk the dogs and try to attempt my yoga practice at home, with the help of those same rambunctious dogs who think downward dog is their signal to jump on me. I read, I write and I pray
My thoughts turn to those who have some major health issues, those who suffer with depression and those who are all alone and can’t see their families during this shelter in place. And I pray. I pray because, for the most part, I’m doing okay. I miss seeing people and hugging them, sharing a glass of wine and good conversation. I don’t think about the what ifs…seeing a doctor or having a condition that requires constant medical attention. When my mind goes down a dark path, I think of the many blessing I have been given every single day. I pray for those who are not as lucky.
I believe, in time, this too shall pass. There will be terrible losses. The pain of losing loved ones. The financial stress that is going to take months, if not years to recover from. Life as we know it is changing and changing fast. Don’t dwell on it because, let’s be honest, getting angry or freaking out will not change it. I want to believe I will come out of this stronger than I was before. I want to believe I won’t take for granted the simple things, a hug, a family dinner, a sailboat filled with friends and laughter and a bit of wine on a Sunday afternoon.
I’m grateful that we live in the age of technology where we can have video chats with our families and friends, my grandchildren…When I’m lonely, I just have to pick up the phone and make a call.
This pandemic is changing all of us, every single person on earth is being impacted in one way or another. That impact can be good or bad. It’s up to you. I’m choosing good. I’m choosing hope
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