There is a lot of uncertainty in the world right now, which means there’s enough anxiety to go around, and then some. So I just want to take a moment to remind you, dear friends (as I must remind myself daily), that normal is what you make it. And nothing–and no one–is perfect.
If you’re spending your days in your robe wandering aimlessly around the house, welcome. I appreciate the company. If you’re whipping up a confectionery storm in your kitchen, or finding the wherewithal to volunteer your time to a cause, I salute you. If you’re simply trying to contain F-bombs while you juggle work and home schooling your children, I say, bombs away! This Psychology Today article suggests a judiciously delivered curse is cathartic, and not necessarily detrimental to children–of course, context, intention, and direction matter. And popping off now and again may actually help you, and your loved ones, as releasing steam can help you regain the patience and focus you need to fill a new role, in addition to all your existing ones.
In short, what I’m trying to say, my friends, is that when nothing’s normal, trying to live normally, or better than normally, will drive you mad. That’s not to say you toss normalcy out the window. Not at all. If anything, you strive to maintain as much of a normal routine as possible–the healthy parts, anyway, like sleep, wake, exercise, and mealtimes. But the idea that you’re somehow supposed to use your additional time at home constructively and productively? No.
Unless you want to.
And that’s the key.
If being home more is inspiring you to catch up on odd jobs around the house, or to bake a year’s worth of bread, or drag the treadmill out from under the bags of clothes you’ve been meaning to donate for the last year, and actually turn it on and make use of it, fantastic. But if all you’re able to find energy for beyond your obligations to employer (or self if you’re self-employed), and to care for those in your home by ensuring their necessities with no additional frills, that’s awesome, too.
Do what you need to take care of yourself, and those you live with if you don’t live alone. The rest of the time don’t worry about being perfect, just…
Deborah
A man can only do what he can do. But if he does that each day he can sleep at night and do it again the next day.
~Albert Schweitzer
