The Gift of Turmoil

| image courtesy of introvert, dear |

Like most people, I'm anxious about the uncertainty surrounding the current world health crisis.  As a small business owner and as a human being, I have no idea what the future holds. But really, do I ever?   I can plan for the future, hope for the best,  adapt to circumstances, but I can only control so much.  Then I have to just believe it's going to all work out.  

| image courtesy of artifact uprising |

These past several weeks have been strange and unsettling, but also liberating in a way. I find I have re-learned two things I had forgotten: to appreciate simple pleasures and the difference between having time and making time.

| image courtesy of the republic of letters |  

For years I have taken pride in how short and sweet my morning routine is.  I can go from making lunches in the kitchen in my PJs to showered, dressed and out the door in 15 minutes.  But as I find I have more time on my hands, I'm taking more time to appreciate and enjoy each step of my morning skin care routine, actually taking the recommended full two minutes to brush my teeth, and choosing my ensemble rather than surfing the same 2 feet at the front of my closet every day.  

| image courtesy of @kinfolk / photography by richard gaston |

It's a nice change to indulge in some self-care each morning rather than rushing out the door. 

I have a standing video date on Thursday mornings to have coffee with my sister and my dad and catch up on the week. It's a calm, grounding hour each week that I can draw from when I feel adrift.  

| image courtesy of nickey kehoe |

I have re-discovered the calming effects of water.  A bubble bath, a hot tub, laps in the pool.  All time well spent. 

In a nutshell, I have found that making time to enjoy a ritual while doing nothing else has allowed me to find the little islands of calm that I need right now.   And when I hear myself say that I don't have time to read, take a walk or make a call I pause and ask: really?  Or am I just not making the time? 

| image courtesy of cove island |

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