It’s Friday, so I’m linking up with Meranda and Lacey at Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five. This weeks been quite a year – huh? We’ve all had a lot more time on our hands than usual. Like everyone, I’ve been glued to the news and social media. I’ve seen a ton of alarming and stress-provoking news. I’ve also seen some wonderful acts of compassion.
I’m a social creature and a very active one. Social distancing is the last thing I’m interested in. That said, it’s necessary. My friend, Cindy, wrote an interesting post on Facebook, reminding us to “capture all of the things we say we’ll do when this is over” for self development. I agree but I also think there are some things that I want to keep doing. Like what?
Keep things in perspective and live with gratitude. I’ve seen a lot of posts that said “Older generations were asked to fight a war. You’re being asked to stay home.” This is certainly a scary and uncertain time. The list of things I’m grateful for is too long to list (and for that I’m grateful). I’m trying to keep things in perspective. I’m in my very nice home, with my husband, connectivity, food and all of my basic needs more than met. I can run outside. We have the means to stay at home for the foreseeable future and I can work from home.
Slow down and enjoy the process. With running, travel and other things, I set goals, planned, trained and did the things. Race or trip over? Plan the next one. This break (and the cancellation of just about everything for the next few months at least) means it’s time to slow down and enjoy the process. It’s time to find “the why” and make sure I’m doing all the things for the right reasons.
Reach out to friends, family members and neighbors. With so much happening all of the time, I could go weeks (or even months) without talking to my friends and family. Sure, I’d email or text but not hearing voices and taking time to talk and listen. This week, I spoke to friends and family on the phone, Facetime and Zoom. These connections are so meaningful. I don’t want to disconnect again.
Use the free time to do all the things I’m “too busy for.” For many people, this pertains to exercise or reading. Those are two things I probably do the most. For me, it means learning to cook some new dishes (and maybe to finally bake a few things), start studying Spanish, spend more time reflecting on what I want my life to look like on the other side.
Be a helper and support others who are. I’ve been overwhelmed by the positive things that people in my community and around the country are doing. The Husband and I work with several organizations and support many charities. I’m loving the free virtual workouts, people helping neighbors and friends, companies supporting food pantries, grocery stores hiring displaced workers and so much more. I want to continue to be part of the solution and to help those who are.
Bonus “Silver Lining” (and it’s a Two-fer) I had the opportunity to speak with Sr. Stephanie Baliga from The Mission of Our Lady of the Angels. Sr. Stephanie is a 2:53 marathoner who coaches Team OLA for the Chicago Marathon. The Mission of Our Lady of the Angels supports the poor in Western Chicago. Their food pantry helps 260 families. This need will grow with the pandemic.
If your spring marathon was cancelled and you don’t have a Chicago Marathon number, consider running with Team OLA. They have about a dozen numbers available and the lowest fundraising threshold. The perks include coaching (as desired) by Sr. Stephanie, gear, a place to stay before the race, race day perks and more. Sr. Stephanie says “if time has opened up for you, use this free time to get in shape for the race while social distancing.” She also reminds us that “in this time, social distancing is loving thy neighbor.”
How are you doing? Are you seeing any silver linings? Be well and take care. Please let me know if there are any hopeful messages I can share, ways I can help you spread the word on ways to help or if you want to chat. We’re all in this together.