Just when you think you have a plan figured out…..there’s a change up, that’s beyond your control….or is it? Yes, we need to stay home, yes we need to be removed from loved ones that live outside of our home and yes we’re missing Easter traditions, weddings, graduations….but how we interpret the obstacles of social distancing, is in our control….. by trying to Stay Positive helps me!
Now that being said, I must very quickly add…..and speaking from first hand experience, “easier said than done.” For me Dear Readers, the struggle has been real too….There have been ups and downs…on repeat.
Today I share some of my own survival/maintenance tips to get over the humps and navigate the choppy waters.
Restorative S.O.S.: Something Of Substance for me! Curling up with a cup of tea and a book. Coloring, Quilling or Doodling all calm me. “My Meditating” which is probably different from many…… and some my not call it meditating…….because goodness knows, quieting the noise and static is no easy task. I still however, sit, as peacefully as I can, listen to a guided meditation app on my phone. I particularly like Present and Peaceful from the Apple Store because it has options based on time I have to listen. My S.O.S time is my time to recharge myself that then allows me to take on the moments that feel a bit more intense and I am able to face obstacles with a glass half full type of lens.
Be A Bright Light: Create the positive! It brings me joy to brighten a moment in someone’s day. A phone call, a text, a little sidewalk chalk, to let them know they matter to me! Take it off myself and offer it up to someone else.
Laughing and Feel Good Moments: Find your thing! When in a Corona funk, I like to watch a feel good Flash Mob video or a news cast blooper video. My recent favorite is this one at the 16:30 mark. That part was laugh out loud…. to me. Find what makes you laugh/feel good and do it! No lie some trash TV works it’s way in there for me too…because it’s mindless and distracts me….teeheehee
Notebook Tracking: From my previous post you can see I like to organize my thoughts/ tasks in a notebook. An additional step for me it is to track my progress as I go. It serves as motivation…in a “here’s your gold star, Maria”. I need to look into the child within, who didn’t get what she needed, theory at some point. So yes, I print out gemstones to be colored in as I accomplish a Next Step. I also write down the step so I can look back, see how and what I did to accomplish it!
Mindful Of My Words: Thinking before I speak is a more positive way to go! Let’s face it, it’s an adjustment being home with a spouse for a longer period of time. Love him dearly…… but, it can’t be just me getting occasionally grumbly about togetherness. Don’t get me wrong, I realize I am truly Blessed to be sheltering in place with such a great guy! So I choose my words carefully and opt for the ones that are positive or at least sandwiched with positive on either side. For example dirty dishes in the sink…again! When I don’t think before speaking it comes out “Sweet Mary Mother are you kidding me?! The dishwasher is right there! When I remind myself to think before speaking and use the sandwich method, it sounds more like. First slice of bread……“So glad you found something to eat, the “meat” of the message…. think you could put your dishes directly into the dishwasher every time….other slice of bread……. you look great in that bathrobe.” We will get through this togetherness time, with patience, compassion, and consideration….during COVID19 and beyond!
Dear Readers I encourage you to create personal survival techniques (for now and always) that work for you, be kind to your awesome self, brighten someone’s day and know you are not in this alone. Reach out to others, have video visits with friends and family, sniff Play Doh, dance and by all means stay home and Enjoy! Here if you need me.
Be Well!
Maria