It’s the little things

2020 is the year of the zombie apocalypse. That’s were I am with this year. I joked to a good friend that I was stamping it defective return to sender. That’s truly what I’d like to do. I love New York and visit there often. Now, I cringe in horror as I consider a visit at some point in the distant future.

Then there are the things that I’d forgotten, the things that make you smile, the things that matter, the little things. Working from home has reminded me how much I love the light in my kitchen. Something so simple but something that puts a smile on my face when I walk into the room. Same with a quick chat with my neighbor. BC (before COVID-19) I was always racing somewhere. There was the office, an appointment, an errand, something that I had to get to. Now there is time to breathe. Things are slowed down which lets me appreciate the blessings in my life – and I am truly blessed.

So what are the little things I’ve rediscovered?

• Cooking – I’ve always loved to cook but there is a difference between cooking to simply eat a meal and cooking to enjoy.  The former is quick and usually involves a microwave and something quick.  The latter, is slow.  It is a process to be enjoyed. I love contemplating what I’m going to serve, sourcing the ingredients, preparing the meal and then serving it with china and linen and, most importantly taking the time to enjoy the fruits of my labor. Also, its probably healthier than the other option.

• The fur ones – It struck me that it had been ages since I’d taken a long walk with the pups or played a game of fetch.  To be certain they were not neglected.  In point of fact they are spoiled rotten but somewhere the weekend walk on the trail and the evening play disappeared into life.  What a treat to get out in the fresh air with the pup and exercise my legs after being at my desk for hours.  Sun also helps.

• Organizing my home  – I literally hear my Mom in my head each evening.  Are there dishes in the sink, did you hang up your coat, put away whatever – well, you get the picture.  At the end of each day she straightened each room before she went to bed. Everything in its place for the start of the next day.  I’ve adopted her habit.  Not that I’m messy or generally disorganized but, again, the little thing of waking up to a straight house is a wonderful feeling.
• Writing letters, talking to someone on the phone, arranging cut flowers, planting my container pots, taking a moment to breathe and enjoy rather than rushing through to get to the next thing on my to do list.  

 

I think I’m reclaiming my life.  Or, maybe I am remembering to live my life.  This “pause” as someone called it the other day, has given me the freedom to manage my own schedule.  I still have a ton of work that must be done, if anything, those responsibilities have increased.  Still, it doesn’t quite feel like it because I can manage my life in a different way.  A way that lets me enjoy the work, the career, and my life.   The talking heads say this is a black swan moment.  I don’t know if that is true but I hope that as we move to what is next we manage to take some of the good this time has brought with us.

 

It may be the zombie apocalypse, but I’m learning to live my life again.  

 

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Ten Socially Acceptable Synonyms

Profanity?  Is it acceptable?  Growing up these were the words that got me in trouble.  To be clear, I’m not a shrinking violet and I know the words.  I’ve even used one or two on occasion to the extreme displeasure of my Father.  As daddy’s little girl there was no greater punishment bestowed than to disappoint him.  He would look at me and say those are not words a lady uses and walk away.  A friend’s mother was even more creative.  Upon hearing one of these words, she would immediately request ten socially acceptable synonyms.  The end result is these words, while known, are not part of the vocabulary I chose to use.

Imagine my discomfort then, when during a professional facilitation, the accomplished facilitator suggested that profanity is acceptable in a professional context and, for me even more stunning, that this is a window into the true person.  My immediate thought was – no it is the sign of a limited vocabulary and an absence of creativity.  I probably would have let it pass but for a second conversation that afternoon where yet another group discussed the use of profanity.

I’m of the opinion that words are powerful.  The right word at the right time in the specific context has power and the ability to speak in a distinctive manner.  Choosing the right word for the right context is an art.  It suggests creativity and awareness and the ability to paint a picture.  Profanity is a huge stop sign that silences the speaker at the exact time they most want to be heard.