Eight o'clock on Tuesday morning, here I sit at my dining room table. I'm staring out the window, making obvious eye contact with a squirrel sitting atop a tree branch. Since we as a state (like many others) in North Carolina have been mandated to stay at home for the past few weeks, I've certainly come to notice and appreciate those simple everyday things that were always around, though overlooked through the busyness of my day to day life... like squirrels sitting in trees.
He's a cute little fellow- Flat Tail, I've decided to call him, as his poor tail has been flattened right in the middle, no doubt by a vehicle driving down a city street. Flat Tail makes himself at home in and around our backyard. I see him several times a day- in the trees, on my back porch, digging holes in the yard near my freshly planted flowers, looking for places to bury the walnuts have that fallen from a nearby tree.
Flat Tail hasn't paused from his typical day to day responsibilities. The world as he knows it, goes on, whereas the world as I know it has come to a halt. Oh, the changes! Oh, the heartache! Oh, the frustration! Feeling isolated and alone, even when surrounded by family in close quarters has never felt more real. Tensions have never been higher, and our first world problems have pitted themselves against true desperation across the globe.
There are days where I want to stay in bed, even though I know I have a job to do, have kids who need me, and the things around me still need to be tended to. Flat Tail, though- that reliable squirrel is up early every morning with the sun, going about his day.
It's true, I can hardly compare my life to that of a squirrel, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't drawing motivation from that little guy. Sure, he's digging up my flowers- but he's out there, working hard, day after day, doing what he has to do to survive and thrive.
It would be easy to shirk responsibilities right now... to say that I can't or won't help with projects because of this quarantine. I could easily lay in bed, ticking through emails while my kids wander around the house with their tablets all day. I could let days or weeks pass without connecting with my team of writers or moving forward with my business... I could just let it ride and see what happens, but I'm not that kind of girl, and God made me with a purpose and has a plan for my life.
Each and every one of us was made to thrive. We're far from ordinary, made to do more than just survive, though so many of us feel stuck in survival mode right now. Made to thrive, friends. Flat Tail the squirrel is thriving- living his best life in his current situation. While many of us woke up to fear as this pandemic crept into our lives, it's been truly inspiring to see the ways we've been working together to thrive. Online classes and church services, online consultations and meetings, Zoom chat with friends and family- that's us... thriving. See? We were made to adapt, overcome, and thrive.
How are you thriving right now?
If you've been sitting back and riding the wave of uncertainty, isn't it time to get motivated and do more than just survive?
We're here to help! Connect with the girls at Mommy's Block Party right here in the comment section and let us know how you're doing. How are you thriving right now? Looking for inspiration and motivation? Head over to mavensoul.com for tips on how to come out of this crisis stronger and better than ever before.
We were made to thrive... let's go.
I am practicing the 3 R's...relaxing, reading & renovating. Thanks & stay safe!
ReplyDeleteWe have been using this time to straitghten the house! I put in some flowers in the front and are waiting for the nighttime weather to warm up a bit more before we start our garden. Waiting for the humming birds too!
ReplyDeleteI have been doing a pretty good chunk of spring cleaning during this pandemic. I've gotten a lot done too. Plus working on some crafts. Thanks for your article. I enjoyed ready it.
ReplyDeleteI'm in a nursing home doing physical therapy and hoping to get home soon. (Serious illness meant I had to learn to walk all over again...and I am, with a walker, but I'll take that for now!) Nursing homes are not happy places at the best of times, I guess, but now it's bad. Here in KY, we're confined to our rooms by Governor's order. So far, there have been no cases here in this place, so I guess it's working, but it's hard. We have to do physical therapy in this room, eat in this room, do everything in this room. But I'm progressing, and I'm ready to go home soon.
ReplyDeleteI have been on relying on TV, IPad, Prayers and Snacks (TIPS)💕💋
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading this article. I have fell into a "survival mode" during this time and very much realizing that this is going to go on longer than I anticipated so it is time to "to get motivated and do more than just survive".
ReplyDeleteA bit of both, good to be flexible in times like these.
ReplyDeleteSpending much needed time with the kids .
ReplyDeleteLot's of cooking, crafting and family time!
ReplyDeleteI am trying to use this time of self isolating to catch up on my crafts and other things. I don't mind sitting in the house. I usually run all the time doing other things so this is rather nice for me.
ReplyDeleteI've been needing a little motivation. Thanks for the kick in the butt.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the motivation. It is nice to hear an encouraging word during this time.
ReplyDeleteI have been isolating as much as possible and during this time have done extra cleaning. I also started tomato plants from seed and so far, have about 40 plants. If they all survive, I will give some to friends.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this
ReplyDeleteJust take it day by day & Count your blessings.
ReplyDeleteRocking up the tunes and entering sweeps
ReplyDeleteBecause of the current pandemic, it's often difficult to get out of bed i the morning. But things still need to get done. We have squirrels to watch in our area, too.
ReplyDeleteI have been working alot more hours than normal. I'm trying to stay busy and focus on projects that needed to be finished in my home
ReplyDeleteThis is some really good inspiration. I do not feel that I'm thriving I've got to engage in more self-care.
ReplyDeletebeen having a decent time on quarantine. working here and there, not too much!
ReplyDeletereally good inspirAtion thank you for sharing :)
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