Slow Down...

You're driving along, music is blaring, you are singing at the top of your lungs, life is kinda groovy!  For some reason you have this notion that you sound so blissful and angelic that you could have a chance at recording an album and this is finally your big break!  You start the song over for the fourth time and hit record, because this time you are singing along!  You need proof just in case you bump into a music producer while grocery shopping, but it will most likely only make it to your deleted folder by the end of the day. This is called life, and it's full of moments like this.  Whimsical, goofy, silly times when you are allowed to simply be yourself and do whatever moves you.  One of the funny, yet not so funny things about life is that it has a strange way of changing the narrative when you least expect it.  Nothing at all like a movie where at least there is theme music to warn you when something terribly bad is about to go down.  Movies are full of suspense and mystery which is what makes them so amazing.  The vast majority wouldn't mind their lives playing out like a movie as long as the ending works in their favor.  What if you got to choose your very own theme music and you knew when something bad was lurking around the corner?  Would you run and hide until the coast is clear, or would you stay to face that music?

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In the blink of an eye, everything changed.  Panic, fear, worry and doubt set in and it would only get worse.  So much information, so many questions, yet so many confusing answers.  Who do you listen to?  Who do you believe?  Can you trust that source?  What comes next?  It's undoubtedly the year that we all want to return.  "Nope, keep the change, I don't need it!  Just give me the unopened 2020, I will take that one, because clearly the one I got was used and angry!"  Wow, what a heavy and harsh blow, and it took a while to sink in, but once it did we all found ourselves scrambling to find some sense of normalcy.  Reminiscing about the way things used to be only weeks ago, and wondering when it will be more than a distant memory.  If this sounds like a complaint, well, yeah it is.  Yes we are spoiled, accustomed to having things the way we want them.  Moving the way we need to, when we choose, with not a care in the world.  Adapting to change for humans is something that should be studied and featured in a museum, forever!  Quite honestly, change is good, however it's getting there that is often the problem.  

As uncertainties grow with jobs, family, health and most importantly life, hope is depleting at a rapid rate.  They say the grass is supposed to be greener on the other side, however in this case, some were thrown from the fire directly into the furnace.  How will the world recover from all of this?  What will the action plan be?  There are no rules or guidelines to follow, we simply do what comes naturally.  Pick up the pieces, put one foot in front of the other and make steps towards repairing what was broken along the way.  Even with all the turmoil and sadness going on in the world, I try my best to remain hopeful that a brighter day will soon come.

When I determined self quarantine and social distancing was the best choice for me, I worried I would go a bit stir crazy and wondered if I would be able to entertain myself long enough to avoid the feeling of emptiness and boredom.  I have my days, but honestly this time has allowed me to get back to some of the things I realized I had abandoned.  I love writing things down, creating a list and using that as a guide to jump start my life into a different direction.  Someone recently asked, "What will you do first when this is all over?"  I couldn't think of anything outside of what I am doing right now.  Of course, I will get back to some of the things I enjoy, dinner with friends, shopping and whatever else I choose, but right now this moment in time feels good.  I realize not everyone is coping well and might find it hard to think of interesting ways to keep their minds occupied, so I came up with a few things I think might help.  Take a look ⬇️ 

​​​1. Find your passion

• ​I believe that everyone has a gift, a talent, a dream, something they have always wanted to do but never had the time to write down their plan and see it through.  No time like the present!  
• Make a list.  First and foremost you should ask yourself what you are most passionate about.  Doesn't matter how crazy it sounds, sometimes when you see your vision on paper a little light goes off and it only gets brighter.
• Determine how long it will take to achieve your goals and what you will need to make it all come together.   
• At the end of your timeline, come back and revisit your list, you will be amazed at what you've accomplished.  The key is to remember, this is your passion.  You get to make the rules! 

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2. Do something fun

• Remember that pottery project you were going to start last spring?  The supplies are sitting in your attic collecting dust.  Go grab them, dust them off and set aside a peaceful space and make something magical. 
• I've seen so many dance videos, and they are all amazing, even when off beat.  Crank up the stereo to your favorite tunes and make it a fun night!  Record it and look back on the memories.  You will either get a good laugh or delete it before anyone tries to use it for blackmail.  Either way it will be a lot of fun, even if you are dancing alone.
• Finish that book you have been reading for the past 3 years.  Release yourself into a character and give yourself a much-needed escape from reality.  If you want to take it up a notch, find an online book club and talk it out with a group.  ​

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​3.  Make something yummy 

• Even if you are the worst cook, there are several recipes with a few simple ingredients.  Find one online and surprise yourself.  Desperate times call for desperate measures!
• Make it a family event.  Get the kids involved and give everyone a task.  Before you know it, you have created an 'all hands on deck' night.  Perfect time to teach the importance of teamwork and family bonding.
• Fire up the grill!  Everyone loves a great BBQ, and it allows you to change things up a bit  If the weather permits, get the meat and veggies ready and enjoy.

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​4.  Explore outside

• In most climates this is the perfect time of year to start your garden.  Play in the dirt, it will be a mess, but it is perfectly fun and worth it once you see your hard work has paid off.  Check out my post on 'Gardening Made Easy' for a few helpful tips!
• Take a walk in your neighborhood.  Trust me, no one is going to come near you and vice versa!  Keep it safe, and keep it six feet away.  
• Hop in the car, take a drive.  Sometimes it just feels good to get out and feel a nice breeze.​  Trust me, you will feel revived.​
• There are tons of online workout classes.  Grab your water bottle, yoga mat, towel and get ready to work up a sweat in your garage.

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No one has all the clues to solve this mystery, when it will all end, and how we will feel once it does.  In the midst of this chaos and madness, we have all had to learn how to slow down.  Some of us are still learning and that's ok because we were going way too fast.  What if the universe needs a break?   Maybe this is her way of repairing what has needed fixing for so long.  Peace has turned into war.  Conversations have stopped.  Families have grown distant.  Phone calls have turned into, 'I'll just sent a text message instead'.  This distance has caused a new appreciation for what should have always been important.  Things that were once over-shadowed by long work hours, appointments and busy schedules now have a place.  With nothing but time on our hands, we no longer have excuses.  Let's use this time wisely. 

May the reunions you have already scheduled with your family and friends allow your hugs to be tighter, the feelings genuine, and the love to flow deeper.  ​Sending you all peace, love, and endless prayers.  Stay safe and be well. 🙏🏾

~AJ