Keeping Going

Today’s blog was going to be positive. I’ve been thinking about the extra eight hours I should have in the week – just by not doing my regular commute. In a typical week, I spend at least eight hours driving to my job. Now that I’m in quarantine, I’m inspired to think about how I’m using my time – and am I making the most of at least these extra eight hours?

You’re going to have to wait for the answer to that question. Because today did not end up being a positive day.

We got an email that an employee of our country club had received a positive diagnosis for COVID-19. This may sound like the epitome of first world problems, or privilege, but no matter how COVID-19 hits home, it is still frightening.

In this case, our country club is down the street. It is the hub of our neighborhood. My son spends a ton of time there with his neighborhood buddies. My husband spends time there with his neighborhood golfing buddies. During the winter, I don’t spend much time there, but it is very much a hub of our universe.

And to know that COVID-19 had hit there – with an employee currently hospitalized – and it was recommended to quarantine for 14 days from your last visit – this global pandemic really arrived in our neighborhood.

We are still lucky. No one we know and love has been diagnosed or is ill. But it literally feels all around us.

So today I did not make the most of my extra eight hours. In fact, I am still in the very same pj’s I woke up in. That’s right. I did not get dressed the entire day. Even walked my dog for two blocks in my pj pants (with a coat on top!).

I had a lot of work to do – because my work has not stopped for this pandemic. But I did take a few breaks to look at photo albums with my daughter, make jokes with my son, and cuddle with my youngest. There wasn’t a work-out. I didn’t take a shower until 7pm (although I did enjoy a nice hot bath beforehand). I didn’t advance my mind in any way.

But I slogged through the day. I was feeling kind of guilty and lame and then I read this quote by my (current) favorite author Glennon Doyle.

Ok! Thank you, Glennon. Today, I kept going. It wasn’t pretty. I was in pj’s all day. There was minimal movement. But I slowly kept going.

And tomorrow is another day. Tomorrow I will get up and go for a run. Take a shower and put on real clothes. I will try to not drown in email and conference calls and not feel guilty for not making amazing memories with my family during a pandemic. I will take a minute (or five) to simply breathe. I will remember that I matter in the universe and it’s OK to focus (for a minute or three) on what will make me happy – not solely on serving others.

I will recharge and I will find my positivity. And then I will tell you – with energy – how I plan to make the most of my extra eight hours.

Much love to all.