Letter Board No. 35

I have had this quote in my office for a few weeks now and just haven’t found the time/energy/motivation to write anything. After 100+ days of quarantine, one cancelled vacation, getting birthday wishes from my husband on the wrong day, and rediscovering hobbies that make me happy, I have definitely discovered that life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful. Sometimes you just have to make your own happiness and joy.

Here in Texas we are in the middle of week 15 of quarantine life as a result of the global pandemic, and things don’t look to change anytime soon. In fact, we are slightly back-tracking. And while we aren’t in total lock-down or quarantine mode anymore, I am still only working in the office 2-3 days per week, practicing all the things the health officials recommend you do (wear a mask, wash your hands, social distance, etc.) and keeping things like shopping to a bear minimum. #maskup

I have found that priorities in life have shifted. Things like regular haircuts and highlights just don’t seem as important anymore. Spending time with family (in-person or virtually) and focusing on my health, however, are. This has helped to minimize those flare-ups of fibromyalgia, as well as helped me lose a few unwanted pounds during these stressful times.

In addition to focusing on healthy food choices and extra walks outside, I have found ways to stay busy at home. Weeks back I realized I was practicing several of the hobbies I wrote about in Easy Hobbies for the Chronically Ill to occupy my time-puzzles, Netflix, and rock painting.

I have always wanted to be more creative since my job requires more analytical skills. I have dabbled in dance, photography, painting, and, well, writing/blogging. I put aside many of those things when my parents both became ill and I had to focus so much attention elsewhere. So it’s been great rediscovering old loves. I have given some of these rocks as gifts, hidden some to be found on my nature walks, and created a rock garden in the front yard. Still very much an amateur, I just enjoy the process of creating something unique or fun or inspirational.

I hope during these stressful times you are finding time and ways to practice self-care and doing something you enjoy doing. We should all have things in our lives that bring us joy. Life may not be perfect these days, but there’s no reason it still can’t be wonderful.

What have you been doing during quarantine to take care of yourself and stay busy?

Cheers!

Cynthia