Slice of Life Challenge: Navagating Change

Slice of Life Tuesday Challenge: Change 

To say that this has been a year of change would be an understatement. In this past year (not even considering COVID or distance learning), my life has looked radically different than in past years. Some major events included (but are not necessarily listed in order of importance):

• I moved out and rented a house. 
• I adjusted to longer periods of time on my own, without my children.
• I went through a divorce.
• I legally changed my last name.
• I started dating again.
• I rescued two older cats, who now live with me.
• I bought a house.

Looking back, it seems like every time I started getting a little bit comfortable with a new normal, some big change occurred. Some changes were positive and welcome. Yet, many changes were incredibly painful. I constantly felt paralyzed with fear and overcome with intense emotion. I wanted everything to be perfect, something so unattainable, even in the best of times. I wanted to hide any perceived weakness. Fellow readers, my life has felt really messy for most of this last year. All tangled in knots.

A few days ago I was journaling and suddenly realized that navagating change has been my constant this year. I reread some of my writing from this year with curiosity. It turns out that I learned a lot about myself. It turns out that I am stronger than I thought.  

Without a doubt, I will continue to navigate change this year. May I continue to learn from it and embrace it in the most positive way possible. 

Looking to connect with a positive, supportive online community? 

Consider sharing a slice of your life with Two Writing Teachers. 

All writers are welcome!

Slice of Life #20 Challenge Day 14/31: Slow Down

Slice of Life #20 Challenge Day 14/31:
Slow Down

Last night, as I was mindlessly scrolling Facebook, I noticed a post from my friend Jamie in which she shared how the COVID-19 pandemic was forcing her family to slow down. Her boys, dedicated student athletes, are suddenly without their normal commitments. She remarked how their family must practice social distancing. 

I haven't been able to stop thinking about this since I read Jamie's post.

In a matter of hours yesterday, our overwhelming and busy March family calendar went from full to practically empty. My daughter's recital was canceled, as well as her remaining classes and rehearsals. School events and meetings are canceled. Plays and other school performances are canceled. Our next Girl Scout meeting is even canceled. Social gatherings are canceled. 

Perhaps social distancing will be a blessing. We will be forced to slow down. I will be at home more. When my kids are with me, we will be together more. I won't be running around as much and rushing to be on time. We will all have a different kind of lifestyle. 

Yet, I am reminded:

• We have many books to read.
• We have many board and card games to play.
• We have many puzzles to put together.
• We have treats and dishes to bake and cook.
• We have art to create, projects to sew, stories to write.
• We have conversations to have. 
• We have some time to linger...with each other.

Perhaps we will find joy and delight in spending more time together.

Perhaps my family needed a slow down.

Perhaps I needed a slow down. 

Looking to connect with a positive, supportive online community? 

Consider sharing a slice of yourlife with Two Writing Teachers. 

All writers are welcome!