Little Magazine 29
Listen up, Buttercup. Is Lockdown doing a boomerang?
Pretty little kitsune creepin’ out during lockdown.
As threats
of another lockdown loom ahead of us, here are some ideas (since, you know, we’re pros at this now and we can be anticipatory instead of reactionary ;).
Let’s take note of how we’ve responded to the pandemic so far, take stock of what’s worked, what hasn’t, where we can make adjustments, and where we can keep pressing. You got this!
Get out there.
Nature is healing. Do a day trip. Pack a coffee, sandwich, and journal, soak in the smells and the sense memory and tuck it away for a rainy day. Go solo or go with a friend. This is something that I’ve done during quarantine that’s “worked” for me and not only sustained me, but I grew from it. I gained peace.
What hasn’t
worked for me is not moving. I realized that I need to implement a regimen that will allow me to keep consistency. A friend mentioned creating an accountability workout crew. They zoom and take classes together for 30 minutes, 3-4 times a week. She’s in the best shape of her life. vs me: I’m more lethargic, more prone to eating unhealthy food and being unproductive. It becomes a vicious cycle, very quickly.
I prioritize the things that matter to me, so this should be no different. Our bodies take care of us when we take care of it, right? :)
The bathroom
has become a sacred space during quarantine. It’s the space where I eradicate the evil germies, where I’ve rediscovered the pleasures of “self-care,” (aka washing my face), and learned that I become a new person after showering. A friend said “every time I shower now, I get compliments!” Lol. This is the new reality. Jeans? Formal wear. Shower? Big achievement. Top bun? Uniform. I kinda don’t hate it, TBH. Let’s make the most of it!
Tip: I made a pretty little visual space for my newly discovered skincare (wherever I could squeeze them onto the tight real estate in my bathroom). I found a pretty mirror tray that was under-utilized elsewhere and put my new products on display in a mildly OCD, #satisfying manner. I realized that this nominal effort made me enjoy using the products more—like I’m shopping in my own bathroom. Lol. I gotta get enjoyment where I can, ya know what I mean jelly bean? Throw a little flower bud vase on there. Go cray cray. #spoilyourself
Pray.
I found that I’ve come to know my clients more during Covid than any other time, though I’ve known many for years. There’s nothing to hide anymore for any of us. No more faking the “I’m doing well!” charade that we all do to a certain extent. Life’s been hard. It’s been a tough year. It’s about loving and supporting one another and acknowledging that we need it now more than ever. So first, take care of yourself. REST. Then, call a friend, write a note, shoot up a prayer. People aren’t necessarily doing alright as you presume, and sometimes just knowing that someone cares is enough to boost their day in just the way that they need. Most likely, it’ll come back around to you just when you need it.
“CONSTANT KINDNESS CAN ACCOMPLISH MUCH. AS THE SUN MAKES ICE MELT, KINDNESS CAUSES MISUNDERSTANDING, MISTRUST, AND HOSTILITY TO EVAPORATE
”
See you next week, friends. :) And by the way-- You're awesome! -Renee