I made two lists this morning: one of the things I’ve been doing more of since self-isolating and one of the things I’ve been doing less.
It was harder to fill the second list, which makes me feel hopeful. Even though my days feel emptied out — no more social events on the calendar, upcoming trips canceled, going to movies and restaurants now a distant memory — I have been filling them with other, smaller activities. I’ve been more gracious with myself and made more time to create in ways that can normally seem silly or frivolous.
These lists helped me recalibrate instead of letting my mind run away with fear and distress. They’re a reminder of what I’ve said yes to and what I have let go of when life doesn’t feel quite normal. As Amy Krouse Rosenthal said, “Pay attention to what you pay attention to.”
Things I’m doing more of while in coronavirus isolation:
- Baking
- Sleeping
- Practicing Yoga with Adriene
- Reading the entire Sunday edition of The New York Times on Sunday
- Reading magazines (Bon Appetit, The Sun, The New York Times Magazine)
- Talking to my grandparents
- Facetiming friends and their toddlers
- Crying
- Journaling
- Exercising outside (biking, running, walking)
- Staying up too late
- Ignoring my screen time limits on the Twitter app
- Playing the ukulele
- Drinking one beer to mark Wednesday evening
- Blogging
Things I’m doing less of while in coronavirus isolation:
- Driving
- Listening to podcasts
- Remembering which day of the week it is
- Spending money
- Wearing makeup
- Scrolling through Instagram (I gave it up for Lent — couldn’t have timed it better!)
- Planning ahead
- Wearing pants that zip and button up
- Taking photos
- Washing my hair
- Staying off of my phone
- Wearing sunscreen
- Using travel mugs and tupperware (no meals to pack!)
- Taking breaks during the work day
- Watching (aka being awake for) the sunrise
5 replies on “It all changes, it all stays the same”
Brittany, thank you fir sharing. Many of the things on your “not doing now” list I can relate to. It is such a surreal existence. When I run, walk, bike outside the world still looks “normal”. I realize normal use to be a setting on a dryer. I imagine we are in for a new normal after “this”. Take care and be safe.
Thank you for this new normal reminder. You are awesome! Have you two moved yet?
No way! There’s no moving in this climate. Our goal is July — we shall see.
Love this! Can I share it with my staff who are back to work today (virtually) for the first time since our two week break? I think there is some fear and unsteadiness out there . . .
Absolutely! I’d be honored.