What do you have when you strip everything away? Every distraction, social event, and activity of your regularly scheduled programming either eliminated or transformed altogether. I think that’s what we’re all being challenged to do right now – to realize what we have, what we don’t, and what we want.
Some of us are baking our feelings into sourdough bread or spending hours finding faces in the popcorn ceiling, while others attempt to stoically carry on as “normally” as possible.
For me, taking away so many markers of routine, and removing so much of the energy that I typically feed off of as a social vampire, has made my life feel rather static. But, by removing so much of what was making my life tick by, I’m also realizing what what’s working for me, including:
Having more time for reflection.
For some reason, I can’t really do TV or movies right now. I’ve been really leaning into staring into space and thinking about things, or honestly, not thinking about anything, and letting my brain play pong with the one remaining neuron. The “rush” of routine has been replaced by moments of calm and quiet (granted, I have no kids or animals.) It almost feels like I’ve given myself “permission” to not do anything particularly meaningful with my free time, and instead reflect on my life and what’s happened in it thus far.
Appreciating the beauty of a Youtube spiral.
For more nights than I care to count, I’ve been sucked down a vortex of recommended soccer videos, interviews, and more. Nothing seems to make time slip away quite like a good, old fashioned Youtube spiral. And, you know what? I don’t mind.
Experiencing a stronger connection to nature.
Having time to slow down, and literally allow myself to fully experience where I am in each moment has been wonderful. Everytime I go outside, I’m struck by how the natural world is doing JUST FINE. That feeling of normality completely changes my mindset and removes me from my very-human concerns.
Being more active.
Now, there are no excuses for skipping out on a lunch time run. I’ve really enjoyed getting back into a consistent running routine, and jolting my brain and body awake. I generally feel better, and find myself functioning more optimally in the afternoons.
Supporting and connecting with others.
Seeing a friend from 6-feet away changed my life last week, and we didn’t even do anything except be in each other’s company for a few minutes. Sharing some LOLs and letting people know your thinking about them is largely what any of us need right now. I’ve been lighting up Whatsapp and Facetime, and connecting with those who I haven’t heard from for a long time. It’s been really nice to hear how everyone is doing, and tossing good vibes out into the ether.
Being okay with a lack of change.
I’m working on this one, but I feel like it’s coming. Like, I’m accepting that my life might not be dynamic right now, and that maybe it’s somewhat static…and maybe that’s okay. Whilst somewhat uncomfortable, in some ways I’m appreciating the challenge of our situation in that it is really forcing me to sit still and take stock.
Identifying what I want.
I’m connecting with the aspirations I had before, and identifying what I think will have the most meaningful improvement on my life. Like…learning to play the piano (or, as many instruments as possible, really), writing more, and getting out into nature as much as possible.
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How are you holding up? Have the past few weeks made you realize anything important about what you liked or didn’t like about your routine…or life?
