Author Archives: Grace in the World

London: insider finds in my most visited city

I spend at least one weekend each month in/around London so this post will offer both things to see if it’s your first time in the city and more local spots as well as some weekend/day trips & getaways. First things first, Sightseeing Start at Buckingham Palace (home of the queen) then start walking towardsContinue reading “London: insider finds in my most visited city”

50 Things to do when Lockdown goes Long-term (Part 10) LIVE

1. Commit to something

Sudden restriction is far from easy! To keep yourself moving, hold yourself accountable. Set a goal and make a timeline. Really break it down into small steps so you can see yourself progressing daily or weekly. Don’t be afraid of committing to something time consuming because you’ll take it piece by piece. In the end you’ll have some work done, hopefully something you’re passionate about.

50 Things to do when Lockdown goes Long-term (Part 9)

7. Edit social media

More social, less media. Social comparison distorts self-perception. Unfollow influencers. Unfollow any account which has the explicit goal to sell you something or causes you to feel down. Reset your reference points and surround your online self with better content. Hide your social media apps in a folder where you’ll have to work to access them (keep them off your main home screen). Limit yourself online and avoid falling into a black hole of comparison (set a timer while you scroll).

50 Things to do when Lockdown goes Long-term (Part 8)

14. Watch for Wildlife

Have a window? Look outside right now. Check the sky, any birds? Listen. Any foxes? Bees? Whether you live in the mountains or a mega city living things surround you. When I was a kid I could watch a grasshopper for an hour. They are still fascinating! I’ve taken to watching a pair of birds out my window. Bird watching may be a new hobby even after quarantine, what’s living with you? You’re far from alone, you see.

50 Things to do when Lockdown goes Long-term (Part 7)

17. Perform Random Acts of Kindness

Doing good feels good.

Start with a sweet: candy or a baked good. Add some yummy smelling lotions/potions, maybe tea and a little note about why this person plays a special role in your life.

Or keep it simple– help your colleague with something, give a few dollars or some time to a cause you believe in, say something kind to a stranger, write a thank you note, give a compliment, or similar. 

50 Things to do when Lockdown goes Long-term (Part 2)

43. Remote dinner date

Set a date, share a recipe and shop for the ingredients beforehand. On the evening of, get dressed up like you might for a real date and video call as you prepare the same meal together in each’s respective home. Light a candle, sync up your music and enjoy the meal together. Sure it’s a little silly, a little over the top, but the action and effort of coordinating everything perfectly, making this all work together is what it’s all about.

50 Things to do when Lockdown goes Long-term (Part 1)

47. Make a daily goal

I love that some people have tons of work that they’re passionate about and able to do at home. Good for you. I don’t have such a high workload (is this good or bad? I don’t know) and temporary loss of my identity as a helper has me feeling a little bit “less than” lately.

To cope, I encourage myself to set one main task each day. Today that is cleaning the balcony. Tomorrow I’ll make granola (a two week supply so it’s a project). Setting myself up to accomplish something on a day-to-day basis is motivating (KEY these days) – usually I accomplish much more than the task alone but it’s a starting point (and a sufficient ending point on the days when the sorrows of the current state of the world get me down and I must allow grieving). Let your task be as big or as small as your best can be each day and please have compassion for and trust in yourself.