"If you cannot see the bright side of life, polish the dull side."
~ Christina Dodd
TOP 10 BRIGHT-ISH SIDE THINGS IN A TIME OF CHAOS
1. I'm not really going anywhere lately. And thus, I'm not spending money on gas. That's nice. Even better, I'm already significantly over in mileage on my lease so my time off the road is allowing me catch up to where I should be. Also nice.
2. My body is kind of broken. I have plantar fasciitis in my left foot. And last week I tripped and twisted my right ankle pretty badly. So, basically, I'm being forced to take a break. And the nice thing is, I don't have to stress about my training and what I might be missing. With no races on the horizon, I can slow it down and give myself the care I need. And, quite honestly, the care I wouldn't be giving myself if things weren't as they are. Perhaps others who have been running through minor injuries can do the same.
3. My older daughter admittedly hates running. This makes me sad but I don't force it. Last week she asked me to drop her at the pond to run the 2 mile loop. When I asked why she was suddenly running she explained it was because she needed something to do. When she finished she told me it wasn't that bad and the she was glad she'd done it. The next day she did it again. If my daughter becomes a runner of any kind when this is all over I will be beside myself. Not that I will show her that. I will, of course, keep my cool and pretend like her running is no big deal.
4. It's been a week and a half and I have successfully cleaned out and reorganized two closets in my house. Closets that were stuffed to the gils with crap. Closets that I used to open, claim I was going to clean, and then close and walk away from because the thought of dealing was too overwhelming. This was so ridiculously satisfying and a very large accomplishment on my part.
5. Both my daughters (ages 13 and 15) are getting crafty and spending their time doing things they never would have done if they weren't being forced to stay at home. They're making forts, decorating and sleeping in our tent, painting, sketching, latch-hooking, making cool ceramic thingys, making new phone cases. I am in awe of the constant flow of creativity and I'm blown away by their enthusiasm to try new things or, in some cases, old things that they never had any interest in when the situation was different.
6. Our family time has sky rocketed. Honestly, my girls' lives are so busy between friends and sports that I rarely see them for more than thirty minutes at a time during the school week, especially my 15 year old. If I get a meal with them it's a minor miracle. Now we're eating multiple meals together, having good quality conversations, watching movies, even playing games. Okay, truth, we have to force the games a little, but they've been caving because, well, there's not much else to do. Not that I care. I'm really enjoying and cherishing this time with them as I know it will end and they will be back to business as usual in a skinny minute.
7. I have reconnected with my best buds from high school and am now talking to them multiple times a week. I went through some old pictures last week and found some gems so I sent them to the whole group. The conversation that unfolded was amazing. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. It was so what I needed. I also haven't talked to these women in far too long and am thrilled to have them as part of my daily life again. Even if it's just virtual, it's still awesome. And, yes, my hair was a hot mess.
8. I have a pile of 10 books next to my bed that I used to stare at every night. I also have a list of about 20 movies that I've wanted to see. Well, folks, I am checking off the boxes. Because there is plenty of time to read and more than enough time to watch a movie. Particularly on the weekends which feel about ten days long. I highly recommend Knives Out (movie) and Nothing to See Here (book).
9. People are moving. Not for long, not very far and not in groups. But lots of people out there who are usually reluctant or don't have time to get up and go outside for whatever reason are doing just that. Because sitting at home all day is pretty damn brutal even for those who don't mind doing it. People are walking their dogs, riding bikes, going running, gardening. And all of these things are good for the body and soul. Humans are made to move. Movement keeps us healthy and living longer. How great if we have a whole group of people who are excited about staying active once this is all said and done.
10. The inherent good in people is coming out and visible daily. People are reaching out through email, phone and social media and doing so much for others. Today I ran into the woman who's team wallpapered my bathroom a couple weeks ago. She's driving around to paint stores and buying paint suits and masks from anyone who will sell them and then dropping them off at hospitals here in the Boston area who have the greatest need for them. People are buying groceries for strangers (see above). Friends are sending care packages to those who need a pick me up. The desire to help and to give back is just so insanely high and such a beautiful thing.
Listen to this:
Inside Out by Grouplove
Listen to this:
Inside Out by Grouplove
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