Stranger Days #47: The Things I Appreciate

Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

Welcome to stranger days--my blog series exploring daily life, challenges in times of the COVID-19 pandemic, and just sharing insights or thoughts about how to make it through these days.  

Yesterday's post, I focused on some of the things that I am missing while this pandemic carries on.  But today, I will focus on things I'm appreciating during this time. 

Gardening

I mentioned a few times in this series that I am doing a garden. I like gardening and have done it before but starting from seedlings has been fun.  Yet I wouldn't have had the time or attention to do that were I not home more often.  I appreciate the opportunity to spend time cultivating these things that will hopefully bear food in the months to come.  It's fun, exciting, and hopefully, tasty.  I also like that it gives me a focal point for more positive and creative energy.

Yoga

Here too, I've mentioned that I've started doing yoga and it is also something I wouldn't have thought to do or feel like it was possible. Yet, stick me inside for a few weeks and brainstorm with my partner and presto! Our dining room becomes our yoga studio.  As much as I'm challenged by it, I am also appreciative of how it makes me focus on my body and what it can do. 

Reading more books

And we know I can't stop talking about books but I appreciate that I've gotten to sit and read some more physical books (as opposed to audiobooks). Obviously, we know that I do like books in general but in particular, I'm finding reading books somehow matches the newer pace of life that we're experiencing. I also find that I appreciate the time to sit with the written word more.  

Daily walks and meditations

I almost never take lunch time at work in much of my work-life. I eat at the desk (or rather, unhealthily graze throughout the day) but about a week after working from home started, my partner and I decided that taking an hour to go for a walk and do a short meditation helped to break up the day and spend some time together away from the computers that so much of our work entails. The walks are a great opportunity to just be outside, getting fresh air and catching up about our days thus far.  The meditation is a way to bring a brief mental respite from the work--before returning to it.  

Quiet

This part of the world is quieter. I hear birds.  It's also quieter outside with less cars and when I go for runs, it's easier to hear different sounds such as running water, birds, even squirrels and the like.  While the quiet carries its own problems about the absence of folks being able to work and the like, it still is a noticeable and appreciative difference.  

Those are some of the things that I am enjoying and appreciating during this pandemic.  What about you?  What have you found that is new or old that you are finding value in during this time?

Take care. Be careful. Be care-filled.  Welcome to stranger days.

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