These past few days have been very strange. We were on vacation in the British Virgin Islands last week so we were both physically and emotionally removed from the situation. We followed the media, but not constantly. And we were careful and cautious, but the severity of this pandemic just wasn’t as heightened there as it was here.
I’m not one who worries about germs. And even when my kids were actually sick, I often played it off as no big deal. So since we’ve been back, it’s taken me a little while to wrap my head around this and how to fully prepare for it. The sports cancellations, school & business closures, social distancing – it just all feels a little scary and sad and confusing. But I see the need for it and I have complete faith in our medical personnel and guidance.
So what do we do now? Besides getting all the food, drinks, and necessities for our families and staying on top of the information (admittedly, I have to limit my media exposure), I also think we can be creative. I don’t mean we have to suddenly come an artist or paint a masterpiece. I think doing something in a different way or within limitations, sparks creativity. And it often opens our minds and lives to new solutions, new loves, new passions, new ways of seeing a situation. And in this case, a constructive and positive way to spend this time. Here are a few examples of ways we can be creative:
- Try cooking a new recipe, perhaps a different way to make that same-old chicken?
- Learn how to (properly) apply make-up by following an online tutorial.
- Start journaling.
- Re-organize your closet, or the way your jewelry is organized.
- Change up your playlist.
- Listen to a new podcast.
- Write someone a letter, maybe an elderly relative.
- Go through old photos, or categorize your digital ones.
- Try a new workout, perhaps Pilates or Beachbody online.
- Change up the items on a shelf in your home.
- Move your furniture around.
- Go for a long walk. Or change up your everyday route.
Of course, being creative also means creating something. And you don’t have to be and artist for that. Although I did read that when Shakespeare was quarantined because of the plague, he wrote King Lear. But no pressure! Here are a few easy projects you can create while doing this social distancing thing. Click on each of the links to go to the original posts with all the instructions and info:
- Gather some sticks on one of your walks and make this twig vase.
- Use a fun map to revitalize a tray like this one.
- Add some extra pretty storage in your bathroom with this DIY wooden ladder.
- Or these storage jars.
- Have your kids help you make this paint chip circle art.
- Convert an ordinary folding chair into a chic piece of furniture.
- Make these sugar scrubs. Then use them.
- Make this springtime bunny jar.
- Or this no-sew t-shirt tote bag.
- Start planting your garden seeds indoors. Then make these DIY garden markers so you’ll be ready when they can be transplanted outside.
- Or mix up this batch of this all-natural bug spray for when the warmer weather comes.
- This upcycled desk organizer will make your desk much prettier too.
- And finally, try this (best ever) sangria recipe. Because, you’ll need it.
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So stay safe and smart. And use this time for good.
I'd love to hear your comments!