Press Pause...

I posted on Facebook yesterday this meme that said, "anyone else feel like life is being written by a 4th grader right now? And there was this virus and everyone was scared. And then the world ran out of toilet paper yeah, and then there was no school for like a month and then it snowed!!"

I laugh when I read it but the simple truth is, the world has panicked over COVID-19, the media is thriving, Charmin stock is rising, and there is no answer on what will stop this. Everyone is now learning how to wash their hands properly, the importance of covering their mouth when they cough or sneeze, practicing social distancing and finding a way to occupy time that does not include large groups.

People are staying home. I think that is the biggest one, people are staying home.

So what happens when you stay home... I have had about 5 months of practice on this one. You learn... learn about yourself, your habits, things you want to accomplish or change, tackle projects you never had time to get to and maybe, just maybe find a way to give back in the meantime. I am continuing to learn each day about the person I can be and want to be. I have spent more time volunteering to help our seniors and work with Council on Aging and on the upcoming fundraiser. I value the opportunity to give this time that I currently have to the community. I have also taken this time to start my own Arbonne business. Talk about feeling good about an opportunity. I am using products that have helped me not only lose weight, but clear my skin, give me energy and overall, improve my health AND I get to share these products with people I care about, because I care about them. I can still continue this once I have decided on a full time position again too.I am continuing my love for dance and helping a friend build her social media platform and loving every minute of it! There is truly something about having dance in my life that just calms my soul (and provides a killer workout). Not to mention Gracie, the bond that I have built with this sweet girl in the 5 months we have had together is just the most precious time that I am so grateful. We have moved on in training to Adult Level II and she has come so far. Her commands are now every day practice, she is so loving and gentle. I am incredibly excited for her next steps and cannot wait until we can start visiting the hospitals, assisted living facilities and skilled nursing facilities. All of this, from staying home. God had truly given me this opportunity in time as a gift to re-center me in life and remind me of what is important. I am more appreciative now then ever before of my family, friends, Gracie and the community I live. The time I have taken to spend with my nieces, siblings, parents, friends, at the beach, on my porch have brought me to one place today. I am grateful, inspired, and hopeful for the future and what is yet to come.

I have realized that this time of me "staying home" has grounded me and given me footing to move forward. So, to everyone that is reading this today, stay home. Enjoy this time that you have as a gift. You are not a prisoner in your home, you could leave if you wanted to but keep in mind, if you are under the age of 60 you have a social and ethical responsibility to help protect the seniors in our community. If you have an elderly neighbor and you are heading to the grocery store, please call them and see if there is anything they need, remember to wash your hands when you visit them, please don't visit if you aren't feeling well, reach out with a phone call or a text and just let them know you are thinking about them. Over the age of 60, please stay home, stay safe and be well. For us all, this is not a time to panic, this is a time for us to press pause and with pause come clarity and the ability to re-focus. Enjoy this time you have whether you are alone, with a pet, with your spouse, with your children, wherever you are on your journey just press pause.