Quiet Life
Like most people, I’ve felt the heaviness pressing down on the world lately because of sickness, death, worry, and social-distancing. So many are struggling and hurting and I’d like to help, even if it’s in a small way. I live a quiet, socially-distanced life even when I’m not in quarantine, just because I like it that way. I’m not at all isolated, just distanced. Even my hugs are distant (I call them sideways hugs, and they are super awkward). Anyway, I thought maybe I could encourage you with a few practical ways to navigate social-distancing. I do hope these ideas will be helpful.
Have a routine. I am extremely routined. I eat the same thing for breakfast every morning while reading my Bible, praying, and looking out at the treetops. I have a similar ritual for afternoon snack. Laundry day’s on Monday, I paint after lunch, and I drink a brilliant green smoothie nearly everyday. And everyday I think “Wow! I love the brilliant green color of this smoothie!” Usually I say it out loud too, while my family members laugh or roll their eyes. I also talk to a close friend or two on the phone pretty much every day. My husband is a hunter and he says that if I were a deer, I would be dead for sure because I would be so easy to pattern. Glad I’m not a deer. Routine creates a sense of “home”. A sense of belonging. Everyone needs that, especially right now.
Steer your thoughts upward. When you have a lot of time or silence in your life, it’s easy to turn your thoughts inward— analyzing yourself, considering what other people think of you, remembering times you’ve made huge mistakes, or possibly analyzing a close friend or family member. I’ve found all that to be extraordinarily unhelpful. I think we see ourselves and others more clearly (and more graciously) in our peripheral vision rather than straight on. Have you ever noticed that? I feel more fulfilled and am more kind to others and myself if my focus is not on me (my successes or failures) or my own fulfillment, or on another person, but instead on God— on how wonderful He is, how creative, and surprising, and how trustworthy. With God filling up my direct vision, I find I have more patience with, and appreciation for, other people and myself too.
Remember the stories. I love to intentionally remember wonderful stories— ones from real life that I or a loved one have experienced or from a favorite book. Good stories are powerful! They can lift you out of a moment so that you can see more clearly.
Do little somethings. Making your bed, cleaning the kitchen, sorting laundry—they seem like nothings, but they are therapy. They get you moving, they allow you to see and experience order, and they bring a sense of accomplishment relatively quickly. They’re not nothings. They’re valuable somethings! If you’re feeling low, try vacuuming or weed pulling. If you could see my yard right now you’d know I’m more of a vacuumer… And if you could see my floor you’d know i’m really more of a painter… If you live in a small space and vacuuming or weed pulling is over too quickly, try totally reorganizing your kitchen. It’s strangely uplifting. Also, you’ll find these things come undone quickly. That’s a blessing in disguise, because it’s an ongoing source of little somethings.
Go outside (if possible) or sit near a window. The sky is vast and beautiful, and it will brighten your thoughts. If you can’t see the sky from your window, close your eyes and picture it— the clouds in the soft blue, or the stars swept across the darkness. Think about how small you are and how enormous God is. Consider how wonderful it is that He not only notices you, but also cares about your life.
Don’t watch a lot of TV, especially during the day. I don’t know why, but a lot of TV leaves me feeling empty.
Each of you are so precious and God has made you so wonderfully well. If you’re feeling sad or lonely that’s because you’re made to be socially close, and it’s a great way to be. It’s probably one of the things people love about you. This strange season of living aloof won’t go on forever. It’s (only very slightly) like being in a shockingly long algebra class, unless that’s your favorite subject... Before you know it, the bell will ring and you’ll be out in the sunshine again, being very social.
And if I ever happen to find myself in a long period of unexpected social-closeness, I’d happily accept any helpful hints for navigating that.😄
~Amy