Easing Back Into Life

As we emerge, albeit at a glacial pace, from the historical pandemic we’ve all been mired in for way too long, it’s amazing how we tend to immediately revert right back into the busy, hectic, and over-scheduled lives we all lived pre-pandemic.  To be very clear, in no way do I wish the pandemic to return, and my heart goes out to those who lost loved ones or were otherwise profoundly affected by the pandemic.  But in trying to find a silver lining, I think we all learned, especially during the tightest quarantine months, that we don’t need to be in our cars every day, or go out to dinner multiple times a week, or spend eons sitting in traffic as we commute back and forth to our workplaces.  

However, I do realize we must all resume, on some level, our pre-pandemic lives, but I would like the re-entry into the “real world” to have more intention and grace. I realize things have changed for the better overall, but I don’t want to get right back on the spinning hamster wheel.  Let’s take what we’ve learned over the last 18 months and use that knowledge to improve the quality of our lives and minimize the quantity.

What hobbies or crafts did you happen to pick up during the pandemic? 

Are you continuing to hone your craft, or have you tossed it into the corner to gather dust? 

Is there something you started doing that enhanced your life, like a form of exercise or meditation, that you have given up now that you have returned to the office? 

Since the school year is around the corner, are you busy signing your kids up for lots of activities that they are  looking forward to, or are you signing them up just to fill up the calendar?

There are so many things to consider, but what I am trying to figure out and do myself is take a deep breath, and consider things as they come flying at me (text, emails, etc.) and intentionally make plans for them instead of scurrying around trying to cover all bases at all times.

We’re all subjected to the never-ending magnetic pull of our phone or computer, whether it’s browsing the news of the day, scouring Facebook or Instagram, or other social media sites.  This is valuable time that I could have spent on a walk or just sitting outside on the porch staring at the trees blowing in the breeze. Or better yet, drawing, journaling, or reading a good book. If anything, I think the pandemic’s silver lining taught us to slow down and do things that aren’t all hustle and bustle. Take notice of how many board games or jigsaw puzzles you played or did in the past year. Or how many times you picked up the phone to call and check on a relative or friend? Those connections and brain breaks are what make us shine and help us remember what is important in life.

Yes, thankfully, we are getting back to work and MOST importantly seeing people and socializing.  But, trying to figure out a balance that doesn’t feel like a “Whack-a-Mole” is something I am currently working on, along with figuring out what brings me joy. Finding the happiness I get when I create, read, play a game, or just being present in the moment to enjoy the people around me instead of hustling to the next bigger and better thing!

Cheers neighbors to finding your balance and easing back into life.