The Little Things No. 6

The little things really do add up, which is why every Friday I want to end the week on a positive note with appreciation for the little things in my life that make up a greater sense of joy.  I hope you join me today in appreciating the good, no matter how small.

Happy Friday, my friends. I know that for many of us it doesn’t feel so happy today. In Connecticut the day started with rain and the coronavirus panic is just picking up. I do feel for the people who are suffering from the virus and I have compassion for the people who are scared or anxious about the virus, but at the same time I firmly do not believe that panic and overbuying things we do not need is not the answer. People are hoarding supplies (months and months or even years worth of supplies) that takes away from people that actually need them. I went to the store yesterday for groceries to make dinner and a few rolls of toilet paper because I was actually out and the aisles really are cleared out and emptied. The line for check out was truly insane and I saw a woman with a full cart of toilet paper, which must have been at least a five month supply. I wish I was joking. There is no way anyone could ever use that much toilet paper in less than five months.

Even though the illness itself is not any worse than the flu, the panic by the masses is worrying. Like any virus or illness, it is serious. We should always be concerned about anything that can harm people. Schools are closing and events are being cancelled. Limiting big gatherings is the best way to stop the spread of any illness, but I do feel badly that some events are being cancelled that should not be, like the entire sports seasons for so many high schoolers that are trying to make the most of their final season or getting noticed by colleges. I feel that we should take caution when we can and limit crowds, but we shouldn’t stop living our lives completely for months at a time. Use caution, but don’t panic.

For the most part, just educate yourself about the illness. For the majority it effects people like a mild cold or a flu. It is a danger to people with pre-existing conditions and the elderly. -Which of course makes us all responsible for preventing spreading it so those who are at risk will be kept safe. Because of this we should all do our part to protect ourselves and others; wash your hands, clean doorknobs and surfaces, avoid touching your face, limit large gatherings and unnecessary social excursions, and don’t travel. If anything, it is making people practice the health safety they should practice all along anyway. The flu has killed over 10,000 people in the United States alone this season, that is reason enough to wash your hands and clean door handles and surfaces. I wish people didn’t wait until a pandemic started to practice common sense health safety. Thankfully, all this caution will limit the spread of the flu this season.

Overall, I’m feeling a little sad that so many people are feeling so scared. If this is how people react when we have a threat, how would they react in the case of an urgent emergency? I hope we can all be kinder to one another and work together rather than against one another. I have been so thankful this week now that I’m feeling better from my own illness and the weather has taken a springtime turn. We have an extra hour of daylight in the evenings now and my mood is lifted. If you’re feeling anxious, my best advice is to turn inward and take care of yourself. Stay home if you feel the need to, but make it a time for self care and fun instead of fear and anxiety. Meditate and do some yoga to feel calm and content. Go for a walk in nature. Take time to do something that you love to do. Wash your hands. You’re going to be ok.

This week I am thankful for:

The extra hour of daylight in our day.

This lavender hand lotion.

Washing your hands often is drying to our skin. My hands are often very dry all winter so I use this hand lotion by L’Occitane. It is my favorite and the lavender scent is so soothing.

“The cheeser.”

The cheeser is a calzone at Mystic Pizza. We haven’t stopped by Mystic Pizza since last summer, although we do try to make it to Mystic CT (one of our happy places) often. It’s over an hour and a half away from where we live, but Mystic is one of our favorite towns to explore over and over again. With the spring weather being so nice last weekend, we spent an afternoon exploring and watching the jellyfish float down the Mystic River on Sunday. The jellyfish come out every spring and they’re just starting to appear.

These blue light blocking glasses.

I truly believe that a good pair of blue light blocking glasses helps so much when you’re on the computer often. This pair is from J Crew and they’re not tinted yellow so I can edit pictures without having to worry about the color correction being off.

This little book of poetry.

I don’t have a picture of this book just yet. -I bought it yesterday. I discovered Morgan Harper Nichols on Instagram a couple months back and when I ran into her new book I knew I had to read it. Her book is called “All Along You Were Blooming.” Nichols’s words are so comforting and authentic. And her poetry is even more amazing than her Instagram posts. Reading her words feels like reading a letter from a good friend. You can find her Instagram @Morganharpernichols.

This little wood sculpture I bought for Matthew in Bali.

This little Buddha sits on our windowsill and reminds us to slow down and practice contentment. It is also a lovely reminder of a wonderful adventure.

My spring wardrobe challenge.

I’m feeling really excited about this challenge and I’m feeling really good about myself too. I just wish that the warmer weather was already here so I can wear some of my favorite clothes again. The challenge kick starts next week!

I know that it many places it may be more difficult to think about the good over what we’re fearful of, but let’s all try to be more compassionate and thankful this week. What are your grateful for today?