… or “How I spent my summer … indoors”
May 2020 has been a spectacular disappointment. It’s been rainy, cold, and the promise of summer coming to our part of the world any time soon looks like a false one.
For most of the spring hubby and I have been sequestered at home. He goes out once a week or two to pick up groceries and baking supplies. Why does this lock-down manifest Julia Child as an alternate personality? This is a bad time to try to lose weight.
But, reverting back to the days of home-made goodies and dinners complete with things made from scratch is, well, comforting.
The trend in gardening is also spiking. And of course, the gardening is focused mostly on growing vegetables. You know, things we can actually eat!
The world has come to the unbearable realization that the way we’ve been making purchasing decisions (largest selection, lowest prices, let’s import rather than produce our own) for all things from bread to meat, to clothing, has created a real threat to our lifestyles. The gap in our traditional skills and our current ones has gotten so wide many of us are feeling lost.
So, what has this pandemic really shone a light on?
- As a group, we’re quite fragile and susceptible to panic.
- As individuals, we’re quite resourceful.
- We have been lulled into a dystopian mindset – to believe that all things corporate are good and all things government is bad. Austerity is necessary to ensure we survive.
- Freedom supplants responsibility.
- Our egos are happy to believe that through some miracle we each have earned the entry to that secret society where conspiracy theories grow and are “uncovered”.
- It’s impossible to prove a negative. Go ahead, try to convince me something DIDN’T happen.
- Circular logic is frustrating to combat.
- Most of us want to run and hide in the woods …
Okay, that last point may not be entirely true … but tell me the thought hasn’t crossed your mind at least once!
Here’s what I do know for sure. We will need to reset the markers for success. And use our critical thinking to assess the pros and cons of almost everything going forward.
- Do we really need to spend this money on this thing? Why do we need it?
- Do we remember to check if it was made close to home or in a sweatshop? There’s a reason things are cheaper.
- Does this make me happy or cause me stress? Some stress is worth it, but most are not.
Me? This summer I plan on spending more time in my garden. The sun and physical activity will be good for both my body and mind.
I plan to think about my food. Plan it a bit better. Buy from local farmers (we bought a small freezer just for that!)
Schedule a lot more video chats with my friends and family from all over the world. I may not travel much but that doesn’t mean they can’t be an important part of my life, and me in theirs. When I do travel, I don’t want anyone to be a stranger.
This all adds up to slow my pace a bit, to be mindful of the steps I take. To make my choices intentionally. Making room for work, but also for strengthening relationships. Thinning my “friends” list from 600 to 200 might be a good thing. I don’t know. How can you get to know 600 people well enough to have a decent conversation anyway? They turn into an audience.
Your new you may take a different path. How will your life look different? Don’t lose this chance to carve out a new you from this crazy time.
I’d be happy for you to use my “let’s talk” button. Super easy, shows available times in your timezone, and the best part is there NO obligation to sign anything. But you deserve an ally. If not me, then find a good one who suits you.
Be happy
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