My list is growing longer each day with things I’m missing during quarantine. I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling this way. Life before March when things were “normal” seems like forever ago. You know those days where you could go out to eat, hug your mom, go to the grocery store multiple times in a week, wander through Target…this life seems foreign to me now. But, through all of this I’ve found a silver lining and one thing I love about quarantine.
What I Miss Right Now
My heart is longing for things to go back to the way they were before. This is just a short list of things I’m missing while being in quarantine. I could add more bullet points, but I think you get the point. What are you missing the most right now?
- Running to the grocery store multiple times in a week
- Sunday dinners with my family
- Hugging my nephews
- Dinners out with friends
- Going to the gym
- Traveling
- Dining out at our favorite restaurants
- Getting my hair done
- Picking up a new book at the library
- Concerts
- Going to church
- Easily buying toilet paper at the grocery store
What I’m Holding On To After Quarantine
With an endless list of things I miss, I also have one thing that I’ve been holding on to right now. I’ve always been the type of person to go-go-go all time. The idea of sitting still is something I’ve struggled with for a long time. I love to have my week planned out with projects to keep me busy, date nights with Cory, errands to run, and multiple trips booked in advance. I’m the type of person that enjoys having something to look forward to. Can anyone else relate?
I found so much joy in staying busy, exploring new cities, and experiencing new restaurants with friends. My anxiety started creeping up when we could no longer dine out, our suitcases collected dust, I received emails of cancelled concerts, friends and family were losing their jobs, and I became panicked listening to the news. Life hasn’t been easy for us, and I’m sure it hasn’t been easy for you either.
But, while staying at home I’ve found a deeper connection in the slow pace. I’m extremely thankful for these moments to take a deep breath, focus on things I always said I didn’t have time for, experience more time outside, and enjoy cooking up recipes in my new kitchen. The idea of being “busy” doesn’t feel like something I’m ready to jump back into just yet.
One Thing I Love About Quarantine
I don’t take for granted this opportunity to dive a little deeper, create some space, and appreciate the meaningful connections with friends and family. The texts from friends, social distance walks with family, and more time with Cory has been something I treasure most these days. This quote from Shauna Niequist has stuck with me for quite a few years, and maybe it’s the best way I can describe the type of life I want when this is all over.
“I want a life that sizzles and pops and makes me laugh out loud. And I don’t want to get to the end, or to tomorrow, even, and realize that my life is a collection of meetings and pop cans and errands and receipts and dirty dishes. I want to eat cold tangerines and sing out loud in the car with the windows open and wear pink shoes and stay up all night laughing and paint my walls the exact color of the sky right now. I want to sleep hard on clean white sheets and throw parties and eat ripe tomatoes and read books so good they make me jump up and down, and I want my everyday to make God belly laugh, glad that he gave life to someone who loves the gift.”
Shauna Niequist
I don’t want my life to be a collection of meetings, errands and receipts after quarantine. The hustle and bustle just doesn’t mean as much to me anymore. I want my life to sizzle and pop, and I don’t want to take it for granted. What’s one thing you love about quarantine?
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