I don’t know who needs to hear this but calories do count during a quarantine. Mondays are still Mondays. And rising at 12 o’clock is still considered getting up late. Has the quarantine affected the birds of the sky and the animals of the land? So why must it alter your drive? If you are not utilizing this time to be the best version of yourself then why would the best version just come out from no where once this is over? Recently I have been diving deep in to how I can better map out my days, live with intention and then I created this zen space. I wanted to share why you need a space like this as well. But it doesn’t have to cost you. It actually doesn’t have to cost a penny. Let me tell you why…
The likelihood that you lost your job before reading this is high. Even higher is the likelihood that you lost something during this virus like your freedom, a loved one, your routine and if your a Mom, your sanity. But if you strip those away, what is left underneath? It seems that we are quick to alleviate our worries with captions on Instagram telling us it’s okay to just do nothing. Well, you most definitely could. No one is there to stop you. All the Dwight Schrutes of the workplace are at home miles away from you. So yes, I guess you could. OR, you could use this loaned time to better yourself instead of meaningless scrolls through the feel-good captions I just mentioned. Whether that be learning a new craft, assisting others who are still working (and have an increased work load) or just being a better version of yourself. I know you might think that this is the hard part, but it’s not. The hard part is when this quarantine is over and you no longer have the right discipline because you’ve squandered it on wine and avocado toast.
I have been burning through a new book called “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World” by John Mark Comer. I feel it’s my Motherly nature, or duty, to at the very least, tell you about this book. Call it what you will, I saw the phrase elimination of hurry and I immediately added it to cart. I often feel hurried (I even rushed buying the book) which leads to anger, frustration and usually, a meltdown in the shower where no one can witness me shrivel up. Once I opened it up, I quickly realized this book was written by a believer and follower of Jesus so I knew God placed this book in my life. We were maybe week four in to the quarantine and things were already s l o w . The timing on this book could NOT be more perfect. Who are we to rush? If we are to be like Jesus who legit, never ran or even power walked like Harry after he met Sally (if you know, you know). And who are we to stand in protest with no mask, a political agenda and a mouth full of cutting words? Well, we are human and prone to decisions not so well thought out.
Perhaps it’s the isolation that’s driving us mad. Isolation, when defined has several similarities such as separation, segregation and quarantine while the word solitude has seclusion, alone and sometimes meaning a rural area. Author John Comer says “Solitude is engagement while isolation is escape.” It would be wise if you could learn to segregate the two and work some solitude into your life. See if it doesn’t just lift your spirits a little. Of course that requires waking up early or setting aside a time where you can truly be alone in the quiet… Wherever and whenever that might be. It could mean the couch at 6:00 am or a secluded section of the beach at 6:00 pm. The patio at nap time or an early morning jog sans the headphones.
While we are in isolation, we should be seeking solitude so that we can reset, reflect and for myself, listen to God. The antidote for me, was to create a space where I could go early in the morning (I’m writing this from this exact place around 6:45 AM) and hush the internal noise that I can’t seem to quiet. The first few times I still needed to actively try but since then, I feel a deeper inner peace as I pray, meditate and read (books or scripture).
So, my point here is that solitude has helped immensely with my spiritual wellness. I don’t have a big space, in fact, my house is roughly the size of Cameron Frye’s garage before Ferris Bueller drove the Ferrari through it. For us here in LA, it can be hard to find a good spot that can be your solitude fortress. Space and silence are scares. So, I created one out of this unused area of my backyard. Again, a cozy spot on the couch would work just fine however, my small space caused me to move outdoors. But over all, I’m so smitten with it! I think the key is creating a space that’s not distracting and cluttered but open and relaxing.
I did make a purchase of this chair, the Borealis 2pc Patio Papasan chair and table from Target as a drive up order. It is so chic and cozy. Right now, it’s on super sale. I avoided all ridged chairs and went straight for the couch-like seats determined to find “the one.” I sat on the thought (literally) for almost a week until I finally snagged this Opal House set. Its stunning and sturdy and the comfort of it is perfect for relaxing and reading. It came with a darling matching table and the rest I added. The plants are from my sister in laws plant shop and most of the ones I have are rehabilitated plants that were designated “free” after they got too much sun or not enough water. I love resurrecting them and giving them new life despite their imperfections. My dear friend owns another shop called Ceremonia shop and she makes the most gorgeous macrame’s and woven goods. I added one to my wall (I will remove it and place it indoors soon so that it doesn’t get ruined) but it looks so good!!
A few of my leafy friends are also faux and lastly, my rug is also from Target. It’s an outdoor rug which can be used both outdoor and indoor. I do intend on adding an umbrella but I haven’t found one yet! Tell me what you think. Could you seek solitude here?
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♥Kris
Wow!! What you did with this space is amazing! I could definitely see myself relaxing and recharging in a space like this! ❤️
Author
Thank you Karen! Maybe one day, you can bring Lani over and we can all sit and have a good soak in the sun together 🙂