Be a Queen of Quarantine
Hi Friends!
I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting over the last couple weeks as I imagine many of you have, and thus, have been doing a lot of listening and less talking. Really trying to take in lots of information and digest and figure out where my head’s at and what to do next. Of course, we all know there is some serious escalation of illness, and it is only increasing by the day. My heart feels heavy for those who are being impacted in so many ways, even outside of the illness. The side effects of losing jobs, wages, kids at home, shipping challenges, risks of leaving your home, fear, etc. is something I have never really had to sit and reflect on. I’m feeling very fortunate to be in a position where I can completely work remote and have no dependents that are interrupting my typical routine to execute this. Of course there are minor difficulties and struggles, but nothing I an seriously complain about knowing the circumstances of many. There’s a lot to consider, but there’s also a NEED to keep your sanity and find a way to create a new normal and find satisfaction and joy in the new “everyday” since the future has many unknowns.
SO, I wanted to share a few things I have done during quarantine that has brought me JOY:. With our mandatory WFH (work from home) ordinance, I have gotten back ~2 hours in every day which is amazing. I will say I have started to stay up a little later and sleep in a little longer, BUT there is definitely lots of time left to fill :)
1. Get OUTSIDE: ya’ll, I understand you may be worried about stranger interactions, but that does NOT mean you can’t leave your front door. I’ve been outside and I live in the middle of Minneapolis and I can tell you that I have found my personal bubble and respect for that bubble outdoors. Where I don’t find respect for that bubble are places like the grocery store. BACK OFF PPL. If you are afraid to go outside, why not your backyard? Do some laps, go barefoot if it’s reasonably nice out, bring your yoga mat, take a few deep breaths on your porch, grill some brats! So many possibilities; let mother Earth ground you. If you are afraid of your neighborhood - get creative! There are likely a ton of grass areas near you - find a secret park or go early in the morning!
2. Creative Outlet- I have been listening to some podcasts and social posts about the power of finding a creative outlet. As uncomfortable as this can be (if you would not typically describe yourself as a “creative”), it really helps distract your brain and let it breath in a new way. I haven’t sewed since I was probably 10, and even then, I think I only made a pillow for my mom, but I picked up a sewing machine off of the marketplace this week and I can’t wait to try it out! There are SO many ways to be creative. Let yourself doodle, get an adult coloring book, re-paint your bedroom, make up an indoor workout, re-arrange the living room, find a new Spotify station, etc. Again, the opportunity!
3. Grab a Journal - although this could fit under creative outlet, I think this deserves it’s own category. Whenever I feel heavy or overwhelmed or anxious, journaling and going back to my breath are my go-tos. This sounds extremely hippie, but I have started letting myself do this when I’m feeling out of control or in a dark place, and it brings me back to reality and gratitude. Journaling also just helps you get.it.out. For me, this is enough to get something off of my mind. Sometimes, things deserve to be said aloud and maybe you need a conversation with someone real, but I treat my journal as my friend and talk to it as if I’m talking to a friend. Thus, it feels like I am having a conversation with a friend. (Hello crazy person, Jenna!) You can use the backside of your bank statement or a beautiful blank notebook titled “Girl, it’s your YEAR!” - they all work the same :)
4. Find a Morning Routine - try to maintain it or create a new one if the old one is no longer possible. Start your day off right!!! This is especially important for me because I have a commute to work, and I use my commute to unwind and sip my coffee in the AM. If I get out of bed and go straight to my computer, I do NOT have a good day. If I get out of bed, brew some java, do some yoga/stretch, plan out my day agenda, sip my java, and then log on, I have an A+ day. It’s not fool-proof, and things can go awry in the day, but it centers me and gets my mind set straight for the day. If you are not a morning person, this is so essential for you to form. Be patient and remember that trial & error is OKAY.
5. Make time to connect - this has been one of the greatest PROs of quarantine for me. Often, when I leave work, the last thing I want to do is get on my phone and call someone. It just feels like more work and energy I don’t typically have at 5PM on a Tuesday. With all of this time at home, I have been calling some people I haven’t in months, staying extra involved with my family, and having some really fun video-chats. It’s also a great opportunity to feel like we’re in this together! We, the entire world, are in this fight together. It takes everyone to work as a unit and be obedient to make great change. You matter, he matters, they matter.
All in all, I’ve been looking for ways to find JOY in my everyday. And these 5 things have immensely helped channel that energy. Of course, staying informed is important, but watching the new for 5 hours all dedicated to COVID-19 does NOT lead to sanity. Move your body, form a new routine, and find ways to connect and get your creativity out. I saw a great quote in the past couple days that I find extremely cute:
“MAYBE THIS IS PLANET EARTH SENDING US TO OUR ROOMS FOR HOW WE’VE TREATED HER”
Think about it. The environmental positives of this outbreak is HUGE. Earth is thriving. You are part of something bigger than yourselves. Think before you do, reflect on what you are thinking, and run off of logic versus emotion. You don’t need 324 rolls of toilet paper because when has toilet paper ever saved someone’s life?
And if you want another jewel, the poem below has some beautiful words.
Your pal, Jen
Lockdown
Yes there is fear.
Yes there is isolation.
Yes there is panic buying.
Yes there is sickness.
Yes there is even death.
But,
They say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise
You can hear the birds again.
They say that after just a few weeks of quiet
The sky is no longer thick with fumes
But blue and grey and clear.
They say that in the streets of Assisi
People are singing to each other
across the empty squares,
keeping their windows open
so that those who are alone
may hear the sounds of family around them.
They say that a hotel in the West of Ireland
Is offering free meals and delivery to the housebound.
Today a young woman I know
is busy spreading fliers with her number
through the neighbourhood
So that the elders may have someone to call on.
Today Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples
are preparing to welcome
and shelter the homeless, the sick, the weary
All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting
All over the world people are looking at their neighbours in a new way
All over the world people are waking up to a new reality
To how big we really are.
To how little control we really have.
To what really matters.
To Love.
So we pray and we remember that
Yes there is fear.
But there does not have to be hate.
Yes there is isolation.
But there does not have to be loneliness.
Yes there is panic buying.
But there does not have to be meanness.
Yes there is sickness.
But there does not have to be disease of the soul
Yes there is even death.
But there can always be a rebirth of love.
Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now.
Today, breathe.
Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic
The birds are singing again
The sky is clearing,
Spring is coming,
And we are always encompassed by Love,
Open the windows of your soul
And though you may not be able
to touch across the empty square,
Sing.
Fr. Richard Hendrick, OFM
