Seriously, how are we all doing with this new way of living so far? It was all quite chaotic at the beginning, adapting, re-focusing, shifting it around, re-inventing, and now hopefully…settling in? I really hope we are all slowing down and taking a breather.
Are we, though, really taking the time to breathe, to refocus, to take time for ourselves, to soak up our faith, to talk and rekindle with our loved ones, or, are we just trying to keep busy, busy, busy? Haven’t we been there done that- and complained about that? So why are we trying to re-create that?
Seems to me that although many of us have begun to take a liking to this new pace and newfound ‘getting back to basics’, most of us have not allowed ourselves to do so.
We have been packing in our schedules as though we have to justify something. I’m guilty of this too. Fault of a societal mentality that we must always be busy, busy, busy– always somewhere to go and something to do. Well now we can’t go anywhere.
So, what have many of us started doing? We are getting busy, busy, busy around the house: exercising more, cleaning more, cooking more, planning more, working more (yes- some of us are actually putting more hours into our work from home than we did at the workplace!).
What’s wrong with this picture- especially for us women? NO need to justify ourselves through what we do. How about we plan some true introspective work in all of this? But- by all means if this stay at home is giving you more freedom and time to do what you actually love doing (and that could be: exercising, cooking, planning- and job-related as well)- then by all means, knock yourself out! Do it! For yourself.
But if you’re just feeling like you ‘must or else’ do something, well maybe now is the time for letting go and just ‘being’. Being with your family; being quiet with yourself; reflecting; meditating; being in nature, praying more…Something to just slow you down. We women are guilty of always wanting to do more. How stressful is that? And- do we really need to create more stress for ourselves in these times? Doing does not define us. We are enough.
Ladies, except for the necessary work-related deadlines, there really are no other deadlines except for online grocery pick-up times- or the ones we create on our own!
Covid19 Stop Being a Trophy Woman Challenge:
- Get up and actually sip and smell the coffee; slowly.
- Take off the timer when you exercise- just do it for your body- not the schedule or number of minutes or steps.
- Pamper yourself the way you want- when you want- you’re the boss of that (not that beauty guru on youtube).
- Laugh with your kids- homeschooling is just that – your family relationship means more than turning into the teacher (reality check: you’re not the teacher…Unless you really are the teacher).
- Stop stressing about keeping up with posts on Instagram, Youtube, Facebook…no one is going anywhere special or doing anything sensational…no trips allowed. You’re not missing anything.
- On that same note, keep posting if you love it! But if it starts feeling like a job- quit now; the pay is too low (or non-existent)- Plus- no one is that obsessed with what you’re up to. Do it for the fun!
- For work: Put in your 9- 5 and then shut the computer.
- A word on chores: Stop with the deadlines or to do-lists. You’ve always hated cleaning the chandeliers (that’s why you only do it twice a year) …why does it absolutely have to be done this Tuesday?
- Take time to give Thanks. On very few selected times in history have people been given the opportunity to be on ‘hold’- in my parts of the world this type of taking a break only happens on snow days (which usually only lasts one day).
- The only mandatory rules that mean anything are: Wash your hands, disinfect all that comes in from the outside, keep social distance, stay home.
We can do this. We are enough. No more unnecessary stress. No one is handing out trophies. Have Faith. Stay Safe!
#Confessionoftheday: For me blogging and taking the time to write to my heart’s content is actually a way of relaxing! Finally getting to write whenever I want.
I love reading other great blog posts- so I thought to include some really good ones for you to check out! They have linkup parties where you can link your own posts. Go check them out and show some love. Have a good one!
MONDAY LINKS
TUESDAY LINKS:
Walking in Memphis in High Heels
The Fashion Canvas
WEDNESDAY LINKS:
Jersey Girl Texan Heart
Straight A Style Blog
THURSDAY LINKS:
Doused in Pink
FRIDAY Links:
Such a great list Lucy!
Aww thanks- glad you like it Shelly!
Definitely seen a lot of people on social media turning their houses upside down in frenzied spring cleaning. We’ve become so programmed to doing things that it’s hard to switch off. Thanks for sharing at #WowOnWednesday!
I agree! We need to tone it down a bit and breathe. Thanks:)
Lucy, you’re so sweet. You bring a smile to my face…whether it be your food stories, your fabulous fashion tips or your approach to life – I’m glad we “met”! 🙂
Thanks so much Chrissy! I’m so happy to have found you too!
What a beautiful post and reminder! You are absolutely right. I can’t speak for other people but over here we are slowing it down. Aside from running after my son, I haven’t been motivated to turn my house upside down nor do I have the motivation to cook more than what I normally have been doing pre-quarantine. I may try a new recipe that’s for sure but no way I am trying new recipes just to fill in my time. Btw, I love your outfit and your orange belt is a fun touch! Happy Thursday!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
Thank you so much Maureen! I’m happy you are slowing down- it’s important to take it down a notch, especially when you still have little ones around. Trying new recipes is a great way to enjoy! (and that orange belt makes me so happy!!)
You nailed it Lucy! Each of these tips is so true! Love it friend!
xo,
Kellyann
Thank you Kellyann! xx
Lucy, this my first time reading your blog, and I love it! You make such good points. My husband and I retired in late 2018, and I didn’t understand why I felt this compulsion to inflict a new schedule on myself. And it did come solely from me. My husband is the most laidback guy to live with. Strangely, with the pandemic, I have now been able to slow down. Whatever was compelling me has finally vacated my brain.
Michelle
http://mybijoulifeonline.com
Welcome to my blog then- so glad you’re enjoying it; that makes me so happy! Many of us women feel this compulsion, you’re right…we do have to become more laid back and do what we feel is really important. Putting things in perspective:) Thanks so much for your comment.
Great advice! At first I planned on doing lots of projects around the house but now I’m enjoying a slower pace of life. It’s funny really because although we’re restricted in so many ways it’s also freeing in others. I hope we manage to keep some of the good things that have come out of this pandemic. Thanks for linking up!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Great advice! At first I planned on doing lots of projects around the house but now I’m enjoying a slower pace of life. It’s funny really because although we’re restricted in so many ways it’s also freeing in others. I hope we manage to keep some of the good things that have come out of this pandemic. Thanks for linking up!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
I know how you feel! I wanted to attack all kinds of projects too. I too hope we can find some good out of it all. Thanks so much for your comment.
Lucy, I needed this post today! I am always in the mode of having to “create” whether it is new content for my blog or my other freelance writing projects. I struggle with allowing myself to stop and allow the inspiration to flow in. All the while I am getting stressed because I feel uninspired. This time in lockdown mode is definitely forcing me to stop and stop often and enjoy the moments. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and linking up with me! By the way, your first outfit is so amazing!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Hey there- we have to hang in and encourage each other- hard times! I’m glad though that you are stopping to enjoy (it’s like a very long lasting snow day-off…and then before we know it: back to the same old!)