Small Joys

It's been nearly three weeks since the birthday dinner my mum threw for Shelley-- just the three of us and Pip, having dinner and cherry pie. Three weeks since I've left the house. It's easy to get caught up in thinking about things we're all missing out on: birthdays, trips, weddings, face-to-face connections.

Today, I felt my little temper get the best of me (between both grandmothers and my mother, I was doomed) as I heard people out in the neighborhood acting like it's block party time, and my car is making a thumping noise, and people are being laid off, and this is still happening for another month because people who are able to stay home can't just stay home...

Then I decided to focus on the small joys in my life. In times of uncertainty, I feel like it's better to look on the bright side. I could let my anxiety overwhelm me-- and honestly, that's happened a few times over the last couple of weeks. I am choosing joy though. I choose to look at this time with gratitude.

I am safe at home. I still have the ability to do my job (perks of already working from home).

I still get to sing in the shower and dance around the kitchen with Shelley while we make dinner.

I've been looking for ways to romanticize my life-- to enjoy the little things, like sunny days and plants and mugs of tea, chocolate, face masks, and meditation/prayer.

I have enough food and a place to be safe.

I have time to CREATE: to work on my blog, to write my book, to paint, to do yoga or Pilates.

I get to be home with Shelley. She makes me laugh and makes me feel safe. Even though things are scary, this closeness and togetherness reminds me of when we go on vacations and have unlimited time to cultivate inside jokes and love. I suppose I chose well, because after three weeks of constant companionship, I am still happy to be around her.

I like getting to snuggle Zorro and read while he nudges me, demanding head rubs.

I enjoy the time I get to create a space we love; rearranging and adjusting our cozy little home or reworking my studio space.

I have learned to love myself, even if it's me without mascara, wearing second day sweatpants and a French braid I slept in.

It's the art of slowing down, taking a breath, and exhaling.

We are HERE. Take this time to be present in each moment and focus on the gratitude. Let yourself luxuriate in some sort of indulgence. Light a candle. Eat chocolate. Pray. Create. Love. Romanticize your life instead of browsing around a store because you are bored. Yes, I miss everyone. Yes, I want to enjoy the springtime. But truly, this time could be a gift, if we all slowed down enough to appreciate it.

"Count it all joy."
~ James 1:2