Navigating through Coronavirus
Finding a new normal and a few tips from some of the best to get us there
Coronavirus has upended life as we know it.
Every minute, updates come in from leaders, scientists, experts and members of the media from around the world. I’ll leave the details up to them.
The bad news is that the pandemic is not on track to get better any time soon and I join many others in hoping that our public and health officials and our neighbors continue to take steps to slow the spread of the COVID-19.
We applaud and thank the good doctors, nurses, hospital staff and first responders for stepping up to the plate. Other notable heroes include most city officials, grocery store clerks, food truck drivers, nursing home staff, chefs… and the list goes on and on.
My husband and I count our blessings each day and are so grateful for our current health and the health of those immediately around us, knowing that at any moment that can change.
The good news is that if we heed the warnings, continue to cancel everything and stay home as much as possible, we will make a difference.
And as we do so, we are finding ourselves at home navigating through news, work, home school assignments, and social media updates.
Hopefully amidst the concern, sadness, shock and stress, we can all take some moments to pause... and enjoy the little things.
I’ve been thrilled to not have any reason to put makeup on for over almost two weeks now.
I’ve had time to try out new kitchen gadgets and make omelettes with fillings rather than rush to get some scrambled eggs or bowls of cereal on the table.
I have put my day planner aside for the first time in 25 years and haven’t once worried about syncing my hand-written notes to my iPhone calendar – notes that balance the events of my family of five and my aging father next door.
Step aside Keurig. We even bought a coffee maker. The real kind.
We thought we were a society glued to devices before... but goodness, look at us now. Cell phones and computer devices are now our homebase for news, social connections, work, school, fitness and even entertainment.
I say also use those devices to capture the best about the people in your life. If you’re one of the lucky ones able to self-quarantine with your parents or grandparents, get some of your family’s moments with them on video. Record their voices as they interact with your children – in person or even via the computer (Facetime and Zoom chats). Having had lost my mom to cancer a short time ago, I treasure the family moments with her that I have on video and I regret not having more!
I am no therapist or meditation master – but I love reading inspirational messages from some of the best like the Peaceful Mind, Peaceful Life team, Oprah, IN-Q, and countless other great minds.
After reading the newspaper headlines, I check my inbox for Katie Couric’s Wake-Up Call Newsletter as she provides concise breakdowns of the daily news. She also includes some interesting features. A few of my favorites lately include how to keep a sense of normalcy right now, when your home becomes your office - and daycare, the importance of sleep and how we can be productive while at home thanks to some closet cleansing tips.
I do hope to Marie Kondo my closet and get through some home projects that have been on the backburner for years. Thankfully we are able to go on "social distancing neighborhood walks" (experts say it's safe to do) and I’ve even found a way to continue my gym routine from home - more on that in a future post!
Have you seen the viral video of the twin little boys discussing coronavirus? It might be the only coronavirus discussion that will make you smile.
I’ve enjoyed online concerts from some of America’s best musicians and gotten some great laughs thanks to some of our country’s best comedians like Jimmy Fallon. I especially enjoyed Fallon's backyard tent monologues and his handwashing song with his daughters.
I’m still working on making magic out of what we have in the pantry or freezer (a skill my mom somehow mastered beautifully every day). I will start to post some of the easy creations I’ve whipped up – many of them with the help of my kiddos.
Cooking and baking have been fun activities to do with the kids. Consider taking a stab at volunteering from home too! Check out the volunteer page of my site for some simple ways to give back during this time at home.
I am no teacher but I am certainly applauding our teachers for the patience they have with our children five days a week and the work they’re putting in to all of a sudden establish online learning plans.
I also applaud my 7-year-old daughter who has taken her 5-year-old twin brothers into her “classroom and library” to teach them all of the assignments she has created – in her high heels! Below you will find some other links that have been very helpful for parents during this time at home.
Whether you are in your high heels or slippers, we all seem to feel anxious and overwhelmed with what is happening in our communities and in the world around us.
You are not alone.
We must remember to lean on each other, learn from each other, do our part... and pray for better days ahead.
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Helpful Links for Parents:
Draw So Cute (YouTube Channel)
Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems
Go Noodle: Movement & Mindfulness (great brain breaks for kids!)
28 Free Learning Apps
How to Home School During Coronavirus (tips & Apps)