If living through a pandemic has taught us anything, it’s to be grateful for what we have..and what we had.
Living the past 18 months under restrictions has allowed us to appreciate how much of life’s blessings we took for granted, and how much we wanted them back. For many it has cultivated a greater sense of gratitude, even for the simpler moments.
Life slowed down almost to a standstill for some, while it accelerated and propelled others into endeavours that they never would have fathomed. For some it got real busy, for others it just got real.
I think we have all come to realize that life can be cut short..or altered and how we adjust our sails and respond to the disturbance determines our resilience.
The Main Factors Contributing to Resilience
- Having the capacity to make realistic plans.
- Being able to carry out those plans.
- Being able to effectively manage your feelings and impulses in a healthy manner.
- Having good communication skills.
- Having confidence in your strengths and abilities.
I am struck lately by the number of people who are loosening “the stiff upper lip” they have bravely been keeping for the last 18 months, and confiding to me how much they miss their life before Covid-19.
I am not sure if its the fact that there is an emergence of hope because we are finally finding our stride and living with Covid, or if its their vulnerability showing again as winter approaches, and they fear having to be cooped up again.
Life has been a little easier as public health restrictions are eased, and we are able to return to some of the things we used to enjoy. Its a sad reality, that some things are still off-limits and will be for some time.
All the more reason why we should not abstain from living, or let a day go to waste. Alright, so we can’t step back into the old routine, but surely there are many ways of changing it up, and taking advantage of the freedoms we do have to get some great enjoyment out of each day.
That’s what living IN the moment is about. It’s about not allowing our lives to be dictated by thoughts and emotions attached to past events or potential future outcomes.
As an optimist I tend to look at the glass half full, and probably have a “yes but…!” antidote for any gripe.
- We can only dine in small groups! – Yes, but its allowing us now to go out more often, in smaller groups and having more intimate visits with fewer friends, and an opportunity for more meaningful conversations.
- I would be travelling right now! – So, plan a home-based fall escapade! Get out in nature, hiking or taking a drive to take in the beautiful autumn landscapes and panoramas, then finish off the afternoon sitting out on your back patio with a charcuterie board, sipping a special wine or drink listening to some light jazz. Add some selfies of the two of you and you have yourself a memorable day!
- I am working from home – boring. Yes, but why don’t you set up your workspace in another room today? Change it up – try a different tea, or create your own non-alcoholic beverage to sip during the zoom call. Change the decor – add photos of loved ones, a plant from the other room, even a place mat can add a splash of colour and make the day feel different.
Make a list of things you can still do and should be doing more of. Here are just a few ideas to start off your list.
- Plan day trips
- Meet friends outdoors, walking, in a park, hiking,
- Porch and back yard visits are the thing now. Great way to visit and not have to clean the entire house to host your friends.
- Add a theme to your day – match it to a playlist
- Pick a positive vibe and challenge yourself to keep it going for the day
- Start a new project – pick something that will keep you occupied for a few weeks or longer.
- Collect items in nature and make an art project – then frame it!
My point is, make the best of your day, and don’t let any day go to waste. You don’t know how many of them you still have. So, if its raining, put on the boots, grab the umbrella and go splash in the puddles. If its sunny – make the best of it. If you are alone, then indulge in what makes you happy.
This is a view of my office today. I am so grateful to have a window seat to blue sky, sipping on my favourite home-brew, listening to light-jazz in the background while snacking on olives imported from Tuscany, reminding me of the amazing months we spent there in 2018.
There is something to be said for making the most of each day, enjoying simple pleasures and being present.
