Focusing on the good.
From one of my favorite mural artists @itsaliving
Happy Monday! I was in a bit of a slump this weekend, but hope up with a surge of energy and excitement for the week ahead. For now, there is no rhyme or reason to what my posts will consist of. I think that going with my gut and what is calling to me the most, will be what I’m inclined to share. Maybe some things will click more than others and I’ll reach a place of consistency, but for now- I’m enjoying the experiment. More than anything, I want to write about things that feel relatable to many.
Focusing on the good is something that I’ve been increasingly aware of as I got older. It is IMPORTANT. There is more exposure to the news, politics, and the scary reality of #adulting now more than ever. Add a global pandemic into the mix and I am making this a daily priority. It is very easy to go down a negative rabbit hole. I’ve been there before; looking in the mirror and wondering who the person in the mirror was thinking these thoughts. That’s the crazy thing about mental health and this time specifically. I take walks through our neighborhood passing by many others doing the same. Everyone appears to be OK on the outside- no bleeding, limping, or visible pain. But, there’s this humbling feeling that on the inside, we are ALL in this together. I know that along with searching for funny videos to lighten the mood, I am looking to others for bits of good news and coping mechanisms.
With that, I’d like to share the good that I see coming out of this time and some ideas that have helped me day by day.
1. We are all in this together.
This was something my Dad shared with me in the beginning and really stuck. It’s pretty amazing to see people coming together and helping random strangers because they want to give in any way they can. There are so many unfortunate times in history where the world was divided and there was so much hatred. No matter where you live, what you do for work, or what you believe in, there is a good chance that 95% of people out there are going through the same thing. That can not be said on any given day. Hopefully you can find some comfort in this as well.
2. Community
Going off of the last point, how amazing is it to see people coming together in ways I have NEVER seen??? Workout instructors sharing free 45 minute videos, free online marketing classes, posts on Nextdoor offering to help out an elderly person with groceries, howling at 8 p.m in Denver for the healthcare workers. The list goes ON! This brings me so much joy and faith in humanity that we’ll get through this.
3. Self Reflection
I saw a post today on Instagram that I screenshotted, sent to everyone I know, made my phone background, etc. JK, but it hit home. Cathy Heller, business and life coach said,
“The world has slowed down so you can rediscover yourself.”
It can go without saying that I of course would never wish these times upon this earth, but again- trying to focus on the good here. I can absolutely say that this time has required some deep and overdue reflection. To wake up everyday for 3 months in a row with zero agenda (or motivation on many days) actually brought me to this blog. I felt a calling for something more creative. I also found myself digging deeper into the thoughts on my mind and really spend time dissecting their meaning. I know there are many people who are still very busy with work right now, but I’d imagine everyone has more time than usual in their day to day. SO, I’d encourage you to spend some time digging deeper into a few thoughts, “Am I happy with my work? Where I live? Accomplishing my goals etc.” Now is the time. A few more quotes on this topic to share, because it’s obviously one I’m passionate about. From Ryan Holiday, one of my favorite authors who shared this thought on a podcast with The Skinny Confidential.
“Am I going to live this moment or am I going to wait for this moment to be over? “
4. Appreciation for the little things
Not sure if anyone else is going for walks and so much more aware of the pretty tree in the neighbors yard, or the cute boutique you never noticed- but I am. I find that overall in my ‘pre-quarantine life,’ I was usually moving too fast to enjoy a walk, experience the beauty of nature, and really live in the present.
5. Deeper connection
My high school friends and I have done a group video chat more in the last 2 months than in the last 2 years!!! It is crazy that it takes something like this to bring people together, virtually or not- I think we’re all craving human connection. My family has implemented a non-negotiable 5:00 Sunday night video call. Remember the early days when we would all sit down to the dinner table together? It feels a little bit like that. We even did a live cooking night on my husbands food blog, Tossed and Sauced that we feared no one would attend. We had friends and followers from all over the country tune in! It was so special to feel as if everyone was engaged, present, and excited to be there. This is one of my favorite reflection points from these last couple months.
6. A simpler way of life
I saw an ad somewhere today that said “Summer is still coming!” Thank the lawd this whole thing happened when the weather is on the up and up. I definitely have days where I forget I can still technically live my life, just in a simpler manor . I’ve been having fun with mixing up the way I usually do things:
At home workouts and seeking the best new ones I haven’t tried
Walks around the neighborhood, get that Vitamin D
VISIT YOUR LOCAL PARK. They should be open now. Bring a book and a blanket (and a white claw.)
Lots of home cooking and baking. It feels really good knowing exactly where my food came from
Reading, puzzles, reorganizing. If that’s not your thing- there’s still Netflix.
I do want to acknowledge those that have been personally affected by Covid-19 and hold a place in my heart for you. But, you are also not alone. I hope that you may find comfort in just one or all of these points, and remember to look back on them when you’re having a challenging day. May we continue to all be in this together.