On March 12th, I came home from a dress rehearsal for a show that I never got to perform. It’s been postponed for a while now, but I have that sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach that I’m probably not going to play those charts anytime soon.
Sadness.
A few weeks later, in March, I found myself at Publix, decked out with a new mask, trying to follow the big one-way arrows on the floor. By the time I began the self-checkout I was near tears. Not until I was headed to the car did I realize I was mid panic-attack because of mask fatigue. That’s not an official term – just my own words to describe how I feel when I’ve kept a mask on too long.
More sadness.
Life’s new demands and unusually slowed pace has brought deep emotions to the forefront. Heartbreak over cancellations. Heads spinning because we are trying to do all the things correctly- even though the guidelines and finish line keep moving.
But, my own personality type requires me to see my glass half full. I need to find the goodness in a situation. Even during isolation, with Covid-19 knocking at the door, I find myself searching the skies for the clouds with silver lining.
So. I thought I’d share with you the good things I’ve noticed that have happened over these last two months at home with my people. Some are new habits or happenings in my kitchen. Some are new thought processes – but, none are meant to guilt you into thinking you should be doing them too. Primarily, I want to share so that you might be spurred to see the good where you are too. Beyond that – I need to feel productive each day. (But that’s a completely different topic for another day.)
I’ve started putting honey in my coffee. Only a tiny drizzle – not too sweet, and definitely not sugary. It’s just right. I used to think I didn’t like honey in my coffee – only on my Shreddies.
I’m learning to enjoy exercising alone in peace and quiet. I never ever thought that was possible. But its created a new space for me to think – and that is good.Being at home, with less on the schedule, gives me time to be present and look for ways to bring outside beauty into our living spaces. I used to do it some, but I’m learning to appreciate bringing that beauty into our home because it is a necessity. Written correspondence has never been a focus for me. But, with extra time on my hands, I’ve found it easier to give a bit of mental focus towards encouraging a few friends with written words. It seems important to me right now because of the situation – but, it probably always was important. I’m just noticing now.While being at home and cooking meals so much more often than before, Michael and I noticed that I needed a new knife or two. Guess what? I t has made my food prep SO MUCH easier. Having sharp knives can be a huge blessing for dinner prep. This is my favorite one – a santoku knife- and it cuts thru everything like butter! Recently, at Mackenzie’s birthday, I had a revelation. “We don’t have to do things the way we’ve always done them!” I believe our lives in the next couple of months will truly be an exercise in testing just how many ways that statement is true. But, did you know that birthday candles can be blown out without being on the cake? One of my favorite things that happened during isolation, is the purchase of my new guitar. I’m working at learning to play better. Man, I have a long way to go. But, I’m trying to play with the NSF kids on our FB sing-a-long regularly. Not to show them that I’m good at guitar (because I’m definitely not), but to demonstrate that its okay to be bad at something and to work at getting better. Playing guitar is hard, but its worth not giving up! I saved the sweetest for last! Bryson’s Carmel corn is fresh made, and it is hands down the best I’ve ever had! If not for hunting fresh veggies there during this season, I never would have found it! And guess what – there are many other recipes and foods I could say the same. My family has tried new foods – and we have so many new options to add to our weekly menu – its really quite exciting.
PS: Did you know that the big roll of salted Amish butter is really the BEST EVER? I’m using it for all of my cooking now!
“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:13-14
daily portion 