Silver Linings Playbook

Lately I've been finding comfort logging onto social media and seeing friends and acquaintances making the most of this time. We're all in this together, and there are many silver linings coming out of social distancing. These times are heavy and I certainly have my down moments, but overall I am trying to be positive and find the bright spots. In fact I think my four and a half year old will look back on this time fondly. As my friend Alison commented last week upon hearing the statuses of my kids while I worked (in that particular moment Liv was doing Frozen yoga and Mia was mixing - er eating - chocolate sprinkles by my feet): What a time to be a little kid.

I wrote about wanting to slow down at the end of January, so I am certainly not complaining about the restrictions on plans. Don't get me wrong, I miss being out in society and seeing friends and family, but I am also welcoming this time to hunker down with my immediate fam. Moreover, I'm feeling incredibly grateful to even be able to stay home. I realize what a privilege it is to have the option to work from home and not have to venture out, like our heroes working at essential businesses and on the front lines.  

Some things I am appreciating during this time, below.

Seeing my kids. 

When I was commuting to my office I saw my baby Mia for one hour each weekday, and my older daughter Liv for about two hours. I am loving this QT with them and I am finally getting to really know little Mia.

Seeing my kids become best friends. 

When the girls were home with our nanny and Liv was attending preschool, Liv and Mia had limited time together. When hubs and I were home in brief stints during the workweeks, the girls were always vying for our attention. They still bicker now that we're all home, usually over toys, but they also play together and they are really bonding. Whenever Liv leaves the room, or if Mia wants Liv to join for a bedtime story, she says "Wivvy, wivvy!" It's just the sweetest thing ever. If Mia is napping and Liv is eager to see her she'll say things like, "I want to see my sister. I'm going into her room first; she's MY sister." Today they were playing together, on their own, and I overheard Liv say to Mia, "Mia is this nice to hang out? It's nice to hang out sometimes."

Seeing hubs. 

When we were both commuting to work it often felt like we were two ships passing in the night. We've always been a team, but being together all the time with the kids (while both working and not having childcare) feels like the ultimate exercise in team building. (But of course he may be ready to murder me ;)

Time to cook.

I've never been a natural in the kitchen, and I never really tried to cook. I figured, it's genetic; my grandma used her stove for accessories storage. Our nanny cooked for the girls and hubs and I made do with takeout and pasta. Now I'm gladly whipping up meals including eggplant parmesan, fajitas, stir fry and turkey bolognese. The best part? The four of us can all sit down and eat together, whereas before this time we were never able to have proper family dinners.

Time in nature. 

Living in Hoboken and spending most of my time in Manhattan, I was constantly craving being in nature before Corona. Since social distancing started we've found slices of nature in Hoboken and we've also escaped to the suburbs and found nature walks aplenty.

(Virtual) time with friends and the closeness accessible via technology. 

We were FaceTiming with friends who had moved from NY and it occurred to me that it doesn't matter where any of us lives right now. I had been bummed these friends had moved, but what does geography matter when we're all communicating via tech now anyway?

Time to enjoy simple pleasures.

Taking a whiff of ground coffee beans. Inhaling this most delicious aroma. Now the girls sniff the coffee beans each morning, too. Mia insists on everyone in the family getting a turn. Taking evening showers. The pressure and heat of the water on the back of my neck. These moments seemed like small luxuries unavailable to me when I was running around, commuting and having so little time at home. I know it's cheesy but I'm trying to use all my senses to mindfully lean into these moments.

AES