What is this teaching me?

Here we are. Another week.

The home office is still set up.

There is no travel to be found.

People are wearing masks. (Everywhere, seriously.)

I’m not allowed to see my grandparents.

But, I can get McDonald’s delivered to my door.

It is a weird, weird world.

Life as we know it has been turned upside down, and I’ve gone from social butterfly to hermit in about 2.5 seconds. Miranda Lambert’s Highway Vagabond was the soundtrack to my #preCOVIDlife, now, strum the banjo and hit it Hank, we’re singing I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.

While I know I am not alone (solidarity is a beautiful thing), there is a fine line between staying positive about the situation, and cliff diving into the dark abyss. It’s an easy slip to make, and I’ve been on the verge of taking the plunge.

But then I’m reminded of a saying my dad would use when I’d get whiny or hurt:

“It’s a long ways from your heart, and crying isn’t going to fix it.”

Not exactly the words you want to hear when you get in a scrape, but when applied to our current situation, strum true. Sure, my heart does ache being away from my family, coworkers, and friends during this SIP order, but crying sure in the hell isn’t going to fix it.

So what do I do?

I redirect my Achy Breaky Heart into positivity, gratitude, and happiness.

With some practice, I have found that this conscious change of mindset has cleared up a lot for me. Suddenly my home office seems a lot cozier. I realize how happy this little house in this little town, makes me. That sunshine and fresh air are the only medicine my soul needs. That through technology, I am actually “seeing” some of my family, coworkers, and friends more than I would on a normal, SIP-free basis. Oh, and probably the most enlightening thing – mimosa takeout kits are a real thing. (Mind. Blown.)

This pandemic has highlighted the impact my attitude, perspective, and adaptability take on my life. Those three little things, dictate the happiness or darkness I feel about any given situation. Particularly this one. While I can’t deny this pandemic has been devastating for many, it has incited some very necessary changes to my life. Most notably, stepping off the hamster wheel and slowing down. Not an easy or natural thing for me to do. But with a heavy hand, this pandemic has shaken up my life in all the ways I needed.

There is no denying I would love to be traveling the country, trying new foods, seeing friends, and enjoying life in the fast lane, but I am choosing to look at this situation as a lesson and nudge from a higher power.

So, shifting to positivity, gratitude, and happiness, what is this pandemic teaching me?

• To give myself a GD break. Life is freaking hard, and sometimes it is harder than other times to keep my sh!t together. So I call it out, accept it, laugh, and move on.
• To focus on what I can control (as a textbook control freak, well… you get it). But in this moment, there is not a whole lot I can control. Except my attitude. Which, lucky for me, is the most powerful of all the tools and skills I possess.
• To recognize how special having a home is. I am not talking about having the biggest house in the neighborhood, but having a place where you can truly be you. Where you are at ultimate peace. And most importantly, to stop running from it. I believe the saying is “all roads lead home”…
• To get creative. Prior constraints and excuses no longer exist. Problem? Challenge? Find a way. This has surfaced at work, but also in personal life, business, and relationships.
• To appreciate friendships and family. What I wouldn’t give to spend a day with my whole family barbecuing. But in the meantime, I will thank my lucky stars for FaceTime.
• To learn more about, and support local and home-based businesses. They are what hold our communities together. And how special is it to know you are looking in the eyes of someone truly benefiting from your purchase?
• To appreciate the people and companies rising to the challenge and giving to those who need it most.

So, while I am staring at these four walls once again and seeing no definitive end to this SIP order, I am thankful, appreciative, and happy.

I challenge us to take control over our attitudes. To be the bright light in a dark time. To be positive.

Let’s be grateful for what we do have. Let’s raise one another up. Let’s remind one another that the sun is still shining, the world is still turning, and that there is a light at the end of this tunnel. Let’s work together so that when we are all back out and about in the “real” world again, we’re all just a little bit kinder and more forgiving, a little bit more gracious and appreciative of the all the little things.

Stay happy, stay safe. XOXO Beer Squad.