We’re always in such a hurry. Always wishing life would slow down a little bit.

You know the old saying? Be careful what you wish for…yea…I think we’re all living that.

We would have fewer places to go. Things to do. People stopping by. Appointments to keep. Appointments to make. Friends and family to visit.

We would have more time to read a book. Enjoy the birds in the morning (speaking of, I need to redo my hummingbird feeder…). Take a bath. Take a walk. Read with our kids. Eat at home, around the table. Together. Spend more time studying God’s word. Catch up on projects. Do a little purging. Spring cleaning. Organizing. Send cards. Send care packages. Call friends and family.

Have you actually slowed down yet? It’s taken me a minute, but I think I’m finally there…finally have somewhat of a schedule, a routine. A plan of action. A method to the madness. Funny, even with ALL DAY at home, it doesn’t all get done…so maybe that’s the point. We ask too much of ourselves. Of each other. We expect too much. So stop, ok? Let it be.

Make a list, even if it’s just in your head. What are the things you HAVE to do? Looming deadlines? Daily chores? Standard processes or upkeep for work? Do those.

Then, pick something you’d like to do…self care, friend or family care, start a project, shop for ideas (you don’t have to buy anything to shop, just FYI). In this category, add in some exercise…and sunshine. – whether that’s just a long stretch on the floor for you, or a long run…meet yourself where you are. It will do your mind and soul some good.

Now, if the day’s not done…do something that you find relaxing…something that requires no energy. For some, that’s cooking. For others, it’s a movie or favorite show, or a new book, or doing your nails. It might even be a bath. Or Yoga. And, if you didn’t get that exercise in, do that now, ok? Listen, I’m not judging. I used to work out, A LOT…I don’t so much anymore. For me, right now, exercise basically consists of a few stretches and strength exercises learned in PT, or maybe a nice walk.

Is it dinner time yet? Sit down with your people. If there is no one in your house, schedule a FaceTime or even a Zoom with friends or family – the connection is invaluable right now. Eat together. If there are others in your home, sit down, together, and put away your distractions and just be together.

After dinner? Relax. Think through what you may have left off today and go ahead and get that done so you don’t lose sleep over it. Now, if you’d like, go for another walk. If not, just LITERALLY relax…you can do it…I know you can.

Now, parents of infants & toddlers, I KNOW…you’re day is not likely to any sort of shape, but it CAN follow a pattern…you may miss a step or 12 here and there, and that’s ok…we all understand, especially those of us that have been there…it’s ok. READ THAT AGAIN. IT IS OK.

If you’re out working, thank you. Thank you for what you are doing to protect our families, to care for them, for loving them and sitting beside them when we can’t, for serving them meals, for helping them find groceries, for protecting them, for keeping the lights on, for loving their children when they can’t be there. For answering support calls for frazzled and stressed out people. For getting their medications. For adjusting their spines. For hauling the trucks. Did I get everyone? Probably not…but we appreciate you, too.

If you’re home, working or not, put on some music, or don’t – pop open a window and let the outside be your music. Slow. Down. And enjoy what you can.

I’d love to hear from you…what is one thing you’ve been able to enjoy more while we’re in this slow down? What is one thing you’d LIKE to enjoy more of at home?

You are in my thoughts and prayers…enjoy that first sip of coffee, and I hope you have a wonderful day.

Much love,

💜 Cindi