It's been three weeks now of our family self-quarantining and sure things are still crazy and chaotic. It is easy to get caught up in the worry and fear consuming our world during this pandemic, and rightly so. However, in the midst of chaos, it's important to find your peace, and create a rhythm that allows you to nurture your mental health, as well as your physical health.
During this time where we are all experiencing a vulnerability unlike anything we may have ever experienced, I've realized it's extremely important to allow everyone the opportunity to process in the way that they, personally, need to.
During this whole experience, the four of us in my household have all had different reactions and processing methods, which I forgot is to be expected. For me, these are some of the things I have done over the past couple of weeks home with my family:
- I have been reading so much lately and I'm far from mad about it. Sure, others read a lot more than I do, but I'm proud of myself for making reading a priority this year. I really do love reading and I've found so much creative inspiration from seeing others' creative endeavors. So far this year I have read - The Dreamers by Karen Thompson Walker, Bonfire by Krysten Ritter, Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert and I'm currently reading Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. 10/10 recommend all of these.
- I rearranged my office and de-cluttered things that I haven't used and shared my materials with friends and neighbors to keep them creative while at home as well. This is normal though.. Growing up I used to always rearrange my bedroom because it always felt fresh and new and as if it could reignite my dull battery inside. I used blue painter's tape we had laying around and made a large 3x4 grid on my wall, and taped folders in each cell. This is going to be my new and high class, ultimate luxury year-at-a-glance calendar to not only help me feel more organized, but maybe actually help me achieve some level of organization.
- I bought snacks. And then ate them.
- Tried feeding my snake but he's getting ready to shed.
- I successfully (or finally) folded and put away the six loads of laundry our family had been picking through over the last month. The kids were so stoked on the amount of clean underwear they had in their drawers. As was I. Win win for everyone.
- For the first time in the year we have lived in our home, I weeded the front yard area. Considering we have like a 7 tiered backyard garden, that was supposed to be the easiest job but it still took me two hours. Still beats laundry.
- I have finally been able to go in and edit a bunch of website stuff, update some back links, follow up with emails and just finally CATCH UP after months of mental health healing.
- I've worked with my teams all over the nation as we all maneuver changes in plans, altering schedules and so much more. I'm proud to work with a vast amount of wonderful people who all have been nothing short of supportive, flexible and encouraging during such a challenging time.
- I've talked to family members, near and far, over the phone to check in on how they are doing.
- The four of us have played games together, cuddled, watched movies and bent the rules a bit for a happier household.
- ......and I've kept up on my antioxidant intake with the consumption of some delicious cabernet sauvignon.
- Also. puzzles. And baking. And eating what we baked. And crafting. And bubbles. And sidewalk chalk. And bird feeders. And toilet scrubbing. And eating more snacks. Also, snacks.
The humor and lax riddled throughout this list is not lost on me. These are exceptionally challenging times and we all are managing the best we know how and, right now, I can't change the state of the world, but I can choose how my family and I feel during the chaos. Humor is one way we connect and process.
Thank you, so much, to each person who has chosen to stay at home during this pandemic, if able, and thank you, SO much, to those on the front lines helping and fighting. My thoughts and prayers are with each human on this earth today and, from my family to yours, hope you all are able to stay safe and healthy.
When this is all said and done, who's gonna help me plan the biggest hangout session/party??? I miss my friends.
Don't forget, if you are needing some creative goodies, you can order The Hook Nook Collection in my shop!! Click here and I'll get you some yummies!! <3 Thank you for supporting my family!
xo,
Jessica
