In the last week, most of us have experienced a dramatic change in our schedules and environments. Many are now working from their homes or are without a job. It all happened so suddenly, leaving us reeling from the degree of change in our lives.
So, since the changes in your life—what have you noticed that you probably haven’t noticed for a while?
My girlfriend was taking a walk outdoors yesterday while we talked on the phone and she said, “Can you hear how loud the birds are singing? Do you think they always sing that loud and I was just too busy to notice?”
Those of you who know me well know that I believe all things happen for a reason. And I’m wondering if part of the reason we are all at home right now is to draw our attention to some stuff we haven’t “noticed” for a good long while. Here are some things you might want to check on as you inventory the effect of this new situation on your life and being.
What’s going on in your mind?
Are you more focused on a few things or more scattered, thinking about many things? Have you looked at your 2020 goals and revaluated what they are for these next 90 days? Have you got clarity about what is expected from you at work during this time?
What’s going on in your physical body?
Are you able to get outdoors each day for some fresh air? Are you benefiting from eating at home? Are you sleeping better because you don’t have to set the alarm? Can you stand up every hour and get your blood circulating while on your Zoom calls?
What is going on in your soul?
Are you anxious and fearful (that would be natural in a pandemic)? Are you able to give yourself a bit of quiet time to calm yourself, without the reality of a hectic morning commute? Are you accessing any new resources to bring you peace and calm? Could you begin some new routines in this season that feed your soul?
What’s going on in your relationships?
Are you spending more time with your family and loved ones? Are you taking in the unplanned blessing of being together? Are you calling just one friend each day to connect and let them know you are thinking of them? Are you helping anyone that is at high risk with meals or errands?
Are you learning anything new?
Perhaps there is a topic in your work or in your life you’ve wanted to learn more about . . . could you do that now? There are thousands of learning opportunities online, and many new ones popping up daily—many are being offered free.
Are you experiencing any unexpected joys?
Have you noticed the sunrise or sunset in a new way? Have you found a new favorite song? Have you watched a movie that made you laugh? Have you shared a funny gif or post to make this time lighter on our hearts?
For the next few weeks, life is going to remain different—perhaps we could take this time to reflect on how we want our lives to be different on the other side of this crisis. Are there any changes we want to make that we could start now? Perhaps this is the time you have been given to do a “reset” in your life, that will allow you to be wiser and healthier in the future. What are you noticing that you weren’t paying attention to before?
I encourage you to take a few minutes and reflect. Don’t let a crisis go to waste. Make it a new beginning instead. Serve well.