Changes

Who knew receiving toilet paper could be so pretty and exciting (TP from us.whogivesacrap.org).

Hello Friends:

How are you all doing in your corner of the world? I hope you continue to be safe and in good health. If not, my wish is for you to find comfort and peace. If you must leave your home daily for your work, I thank you and your families for being brave, when that may be the last thing you are feeling.

For those at home who contacted me personally last month, thank you! It's so interesting to hear how you are spending your time. Congratulations to the folks taking on long neglected projects, or starting new things. And for all who are anxious or busy with children, that's okay too. There is no "correct" way to respond to our current situation.

As for my own situation, we have fallen into a fairly steady daily rhythm. It's a big change from our previous routine, when the kids went to school and my husband drove to work early every morning. Instead of rushing the kids off to school, we now take our morning dog walk after breakfast and then start "school" from my home office. As for my husband, he goes to "work" in his home office at about 6 a.m. and reappears for meals. Even though we are rarely leaving our home or neighborhood, we feel quite busy with things to do every day.

For me personally, the biggest change has been having the family home with me all the time. I really enjoy my solitude. Now, I have to be even more intentional in carving out time for myself. The best time to do this is early in the morning and yet, it's been a struggle to get up at my usual 5 a.m. For the last several weeks I gave myself grace and lowered the bar. After more than seven weeks at home, I am feeling it's time to tighten the reins again, get back to my habit tracker and get back to getting up before the crack of dawn.

Our little routines and rituals give us purpose, hope and a little bit of normality. The shock of our world being different is starting to pass for some of us. We are getting used to this new normal. Likely we will all be changed in more ways than we can currently fathom. Let's remember this time as an opportunity for change and an opportunity to be grateful for what we have in our lives.

I would love to hear what you are grateful for today! Please share in the comments below or send me an e-mail.

All my best,

Carolyn