Let’s face it. Things are downright weird right now. If you want to find some light or any positive news, you have to dig really deep. In the midst of the fear and the anxiety of the Corona Virus, or COVID-19, and what seem to be imminent lock-downs, I think it’s more important than ever that we look to ourselves to be leaders and make a difference both within our own hearts, and to those around us. And lucky for you, I have some ideas for you to achieve just that.
Get outside.
“Take a walk in the trees and smell the wild air. Nature’s ability to heal is greater than anyone has permitted you to believe.”
-Unknown
We all might be feeling it already and if we aren’t, it’s sure to happen – cabin fever. But spring is coming and it’s the perfect time to step outside and get some fresh air. Plan a garden and order some seeds to start indoors. I just did this yesterday with my tomato seeds from Gurnsey’s that I plan to grow in my raised garden beds along with some cucumbers and watermelon. Another option is to update your landscaping or simply plant some flowers. My mother calls this “dirt therapy” and it works. Or simply take a walk. If you are limited on outdoor space, think about an herb garden or even some indoor plants. I ordered succulents from Amazon and they came to my home looking beautiful – what a time to be alive! (too soon?)
Support local and small businesses.
Many local and small businesses have online shopping options now through their own site or their social pages. Even if you don’t need something from them today, think about gift cards. Better yet, what a great way to stay connected right now – send your friends and family a card with a gift certificate to a favorite local store. It’s sure to brighten their day and make the world feel more connected. Electronic cards and gift certificates are out there as well.
READ!
You are surely tempted to binge on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime and so on. But what a better time to truly disconnect, especially for those who will be staring at a computer screen in a home office all day, than to read a book. Three that I have recently read and recommend would be Where the Crawdads Sing, Educated and Land of Hope. Read it with a friend and call each other to discuss! Let’s talk about something other than… you know what.
Make something beautiful.
Something about crafting or drawing or creating with my hands gives me a true sense of accomplishment and being grounded. This might be drawing or painting for you, crochet or knitting, or cookie and cake decorating. And before you roll your eyes and say you don’t have an artistic bone in your body, I know you at some point made an impulse purchase on those adult coloring books that have been so trendy the past few years. Pull one out and color something.
Try a new recipe.
Check out my post on some of my favorite recipes and try one with your family. Sit at the dinner table together. Whip out your good plates and make your kids set the table – I know you are looking for ways to keep them busy right now.
Get your life in order!
Okay, you might read that and think “geez, this escalated quickly.” But what I mean is pick something you’ve been putting off for a while due to life’s commitments and finally mark it off your list. Catch up on mail or paperwork. Clean out old files. Build or refine your family budget. Organize that closet or that junk drawer that makes you cringe.
Organize your photos.
All of us have hundreds of photos on our phones and computers that we say one day we will organize or maybe even print. There are a ton of blog posts and guides out there to help you achieve this. I personally use Google Photos and when I have downtime, I go through and file them into albums, tag people and archive them from my phone. I have also ordered photo books and prints through the app and they have turned out great. If we can’t go anywhere, what a great time to appreciate the family trips and occasions of togetherness by reminiscing through the photos that captured those memories.
Build a new playlist.
Music is therapy. I use Pandora and have created a Piano Guys station that is perfect background for working from home. And tonight while cooking dinner, I threw it back with my girls Destiny’s Child. Whatever app or system that you use, pull it out and discover new tunes or rediscover some classics. Have a dance party in your kitchen while you make that new recipe.
Study your Bible.
I know a lot of churches and small groups are cancelled during this time, but we have this magical thing called technology. Keep your readings and studies going and suggest a video chat or a conference call to discuss. And if you aren’t currently in a Bible study, ask some friends if they want to start something like that virtually. I use the She Reads Truth app and am going through the Lent study right now. It’s not too late to catch up if you are interested.
Write.
Write something. Anything. I have never before heard the word “unprecedented” used as such a buzzword. If we are truly living in unprecedented times, write down your experience or thoughts and feelings during this time. Write a list of things you’re grateful for. Many of us are so lucky right now. Write your prayers down. Write a short story and make your kids help! Heck, start that book or that blog… you never know who may want to read it one day.
And don’t stop here – share your own ideas below, or something you did with you family or loved ones. Let’s shine a light.
Happy trails,
Diana
Ranch n' Business 