Tuesday, April 14, 2020

The Gift of Time




Whether we’re happy about it or not, most of us have been housebound for about a month. For those of us used to an active life, this is a derailment – an interruption in our lives, and as such, it can put us in an emotional tailspin. I sat on my couch and did nothing but crochet and listen to the news for  two weeks straight.  The constant news cycle was depressing and frightening. Sometimes it’s hard to get out of the dark places we find ourselves in.
But then I realized two things: 1) I’m happier when I’m busy, and 2) I was given the gift of time.  I no longer had excuses for the  things I put off. (Cleaning does not count!)
I finally had the  time to write that story I had been putting off. That story makes me happy – and in writing that, I can entertain myself for hours.

Get Out of That Funk!
We deal with stressors in many ways. Some of us sleep a lot, and some of us eat. What we really need right now is to turn off that television, get off the couch, and DO something that makes us happy. Listen to your favorite music – Loud! (If it’s not loud, what’s the point, really?)  If you’re a cook, try new dishes. Take a walk and get some sunshine and fresh air. Take your vitamins – call a friend who makes you laugh. Pass this time productively. Take care of yourself and advantage of this time of rest.