Finding Joy in Times of Crisis
There is no denying that these are uncertain times for families across the country. Our world has been disrupted by this virus and life as we know it has come to a screeching halt. Parents are freaking out as we try to navigate working from home, virtual school and ways to combat cabin fever. For me its been a bit of an emotional roller coaster.
Most days I long for normalcy. I wish I was getting dressed and rushing the kids out the door for school drop off. I hate that they are missing their friends, their teachers and the joy of being in school. I am sad that they are missing out on karate and gymnastics. Shuttling them back and forth for extracurricular activities has been stressful but now I realize it was so worth it. I miss the exercise, discipline and the fun my girls experience as a result of being in sports. I am heartbroken that we are missing out on birthday celebrations, play dates, weddings, graduations and visiting our friends’ newborn babies. We know that this is temporary and our number one priority is to protect ourselves and others as we remain healthy in our homes. While we are missing out on so much, we have a lot to be grateful for.
As I discover the hidden blessings during this transitional time, I realize that my mindset needs to change. There have been some pleasant surprises as a result of being in quarantine together. We wake up and have breakfast as a family without having to rush off anywhere. We have rediscovered playtime outside in the fresh air. I am getting more exercise now than I have in years. My older daughter has finally learned to ride her bike something she always wanted to practice but we never had time. We are getting in more snuggles with the puppies who I am sure are wondering why we never leave the house.
The entire family is gathered at 6:00 pm to eat a home cooked meal at a decent time not too mention all the money we are saving by not eating out every night. In the evening we can relax and watch a movie or go for an evening swim because bedtime has become a little more flexible. And after the girls are asleep my hubby and I have time to ourselves. No mad rush to clean the kitchen, do laundry or pack lunches. We have been forced to slow down and it is just what our family needed.
I have read a few articles recently in effort to adjust to our new normal. The common theme among the experts is to make sure kids feel safe and loved. Parents must focus on being present so when our children are older, they remember making baking cakes with mom and building forts with dad on a school night. Not how scared they were of a global pandemic. We must be flexible with our priorities and not force ourselves to live up to unrealistic standards. Who can parent, teach and work all at the same time? No one, those are three different jobs for a reason.
When I first became a mother, I really wanted to stay home with Ella but that wasn’t in the cards for our family. Both of our girls have been in daycare since they were twelve weeks old. Now in an insane twist of fate, I have the opportunity to be with them. While some days are good and most days are maddening, I know we are fortunate . As I sit here stuck in our living room, I am counting blessings all around me.