This season has been stressful. Home nonstop with kids. Juggling work and homeschooling. Wearing masks whenever we go out. Limited to no activities. And no real timeline to when “normal” will return.
It takes a toll. It makes the future feel foggy.
I mean, what day is it even?
I found myself floundering. Worried. Anxious. And I knew I needed to course correct before my family took the brunt of my angst.
So, rather than focus on all that is wrong or not ideal I decided to craft a “quaranTHANKS” list – a simple, handwritten list to recenter and remind me to be thankful during this time of social distancing and quarantine.
Here are a few things that have made my list lately … I bet you’ll agree with some/most or have your own unique spin on something similar! What are you thankful for today? I am thankful for …
The ability to work from home
The chance to support our favorite, small biz restaurants
Amazing teachers who sent handwritten notes to my kids
Wonderful spring weather
A fenced backyard we can enjoy at our leisure
An abundance of free, fun homeschooling options (we’re loving this class!)
My kid’s resiliency
Slow mornings to make special breakfasts … like our favorite pancakes
Marco Polos with my best girlfriends
Homemade bread (because yes, I am totally the mom who got on the sourdough bandwagon)
Spring flowers
Afternoon naps with my little ones
Finding toilet paper!
Health and wellness and no emergencies … despite increased time on the trampoline!
Online shopping (haven’t there been some great sales lately?!?)
Swapping supplies with neighbors so we can all minimize trips to the store
Free evenings for family time
… AND SO MUCH MORE!
For everything that has been a struggle during this time, when I set my mind to it, I’ve been able to think of 3x as many things I’m grateful for. Choosing to be positive has been a real gift, an opportunity to make the most of a difficult season. It’s doesn’t come without work, but it is well worth the effort. A “quaranTHANKS” list sounds too easy to make a big difference, but I promise, this small, daily exercise provides mental clarity and peace like no other!