Since "stay at home" orders were issued and we all went into lockdown, our lives have turned upside down and inside out. The unknown has pushed us into the twilight zone of discomfort. Feeling out of control has become the new norm. And yet, there are silver linings. Before I go there though, I want to acknowledge the loss we have all experienced; the trips canceled, birthday parties missed, hugs on hold, and deep personal loss.
Recently I had a conversation with Emily, my goddaughter. She was asked to lead a conversation at her company that sparked the conversation about personal discovery during this pandemic...Hummm...good stuff here. As a "30 something" I was interested in what it meant for her and was surprised at her response. Let me preface this by telling you that Emily is an urban dweller who lives in downtown Seattle. She works hard and rewards herself with the things that "30 somethings do."
As a result of the pandemic, Emily has discovered two biggies. She doesn't need to fill her time. If she doesn't have plans for Friday night, it is okay to stay at home. And, she doesn't need "all the stuff." Okay when Kate Spade comes out with a new bag, she might be tempted. I was blown away by her insights and personal silver linings.
In chatting with other friends, Emily's insights seem to be a consistent experience mentioned by many others. "Having time" is no longer something to be feared. Time has given us permission to experience life more fully instead of filling it up. More time with family, chatting with friends via Zoom, hobbies dusted off and new ones discovered.
Silver linings come in many shapes and sizes; big and small... Dianne and Roy celebrate the "every day" by dressing up in their party clothes for dinner. I love that! Caryn and Mike walk every morning and celebrate their time together to "check-in" uninterrupted. And Tami and Fred...OMG. Be still my beating heart. Tami discovered a long-forgotten pasta maker in the far depths of her kitchen cabinet. Discovering her forgotten treasure was all it took to spark inspiration. Every Saturday they can be found making pasta, drinking wine, and laughing lots. The results speak for themselves. Talk about finding your silver lining and celebrating the "every day!"
...and Rene I am convinced secretly aspires to become the next Julia Childs. In her words.."I can bake bread! I have never baked bread before and I turn 50 next month. I have gotten pretty good at french bread so I decided to tackle Sourdough. Made it from scratch and babysat it for 7 days.
I was thrilled it smelled like sourdough, tasted like sourdough, and even had the sourdough holes! "
"I’ve learned that being on the constant go is a little overrated. Jeremy and I have cancelled one birthday cruise, two vintage trailer rallies, three camping trips, and one baby shower. The silver lining? We now have time and an extra $ to put into our house. It’s been a blessing in disguise to cross those things off our list." New deck, a new garden, and hot, buttery bread... I’m a happy gal!
I am right there with Rene. I am a happy, grateful gal. We have had a remodeling project to take a lot of our energy and focus and creative expression has been flowing out of me like water out of a garden hose. So during these crazy times, I will continue to look for silver linings. I hope you can too.
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