What to do while Quarantined.

I woke up today as usual: I took the dogs outside and made my morning coffee. But as I went through the motions of my morning routine, my heart felt so heavy over everything that is going on in our world today because of the Coronavirus.

I sat down on my sofa, looked out at our yard, and began my quiet time of reading and prayer. As I was enjoying this precious time, a thought hit me and resonated deeply with me: Make the most of this time. I asked myself, What? Is it even possible to make the most of a time when I am forced to stay home, and all the fun events and gatherings are canceled?

But then I understood: I can use this time of waiting and quiet to do the things I always wished I had the time to do. You know what I mean, right? The “one day I will get to it” kind of things. I realized I was being given the time I had asked for and so deeply wanted. I know many of us may feel down, lonely, bored, scared, and frustrated with our current situation. ME TOO! But what if we shifted our mindset from the negative to the positive? What if we choose to be joyful, hopeful, thankful, kind, positive, and productive instead? I know this won’t be easy, but what do we have to lose? Who knows---maybe we might even find joy in these circumstances!

Here are a few ideas to inspire you:

• Create that garden you have been wanting.

• Read a book.

• Finish that home project you started.

• Finally organize your pantry.

• Clean out your messy closets.

• Create: paint, write, sing, play the piano, etc. Now you have time to do more of what you are passionate about!

• Pray and read the Bible. The “I don’t have time” excuse is being removed for you.

• Check in with friends and family. Consider hosting a Facetime “party.”

• Play a family game or work on a puzzle.

• Go on a nature walk.

• Meditate and start practicing gratitude.

I am choosing to look at this unique time through a positive lens, and I hope you will join me. I am purposefully shifting my perspective from focusing on all that I am unable to do to now focusing on all the things I now get to do that I never before had time for. This is the time for us to rest, grow, be productive, and enjoy the small things. Through this time, we will emerge stronger and better! We will become more like the people we desire to be if we choose to look toward the light. And remember: This too shall pass!

I love you all.

Sending virtual hugs your way,

Gabby