Make a Simplify List & Braid Your Hair
In light of the corona crazy and following our obligations to ourselves and our families, I want to remind you that focusing on the simple joys can save your sanity. I’m sure this message is traveling around in various forms, but this is my take for the stage of life I’m in, to help me focus on what I am called to do, right where I am - the message to make a simplify list. You likely already have a million lists going, grocery list, stock pile lists, etc, this idea is for a non-overwhelming, personal, comforting - simplify list. Your simplify list will include things that are personally grounding to you, like things that bring you joy among anxiety, or simple ways to focus on the blessings in your home and your relationships. My recommendation is to choose 5-10 simple things you can choose to do easily in the midst of the next few crazy weeks. For me this idea started on Wednesday afternoon when the corono was really starting to escalate, and I found myself in a bad mood. I knew I had a choice to change my attitude around (which is easier said than done!) and I remembered how my recent mantra of simply wearing clothes that fit has been helping. After feeling like a mess, I went to my master bathroom, wet my brush and simply braided my hair. I came downstairs 5 minutes later feeling completely refreshed. Sometimes you simply need a list telling you to braid your hair. It may only be the beginning steps, until simple things become habit. Yet, generally the joy found in small, minute, details are the hardest for humans to remember. We tend to think global outcry, big picture. That is important, but right where you are, in your situation, you’ll be needing your small, detailed sanity saving list this week ;) I know for me currently, these simple details do not come naturally unless I make an intentional list! Do not be afraid to do what works for you!
Here are some ideas to start:
Smile at your family before you open your mouth to talk, take a few deep breaths in the sunlight and close your eyes for 60 seconds, pray a hail mary or our father for your family while hand washing, read a bible verse (or a short picture book) to your kids without your phone near by, drink a full glass of ice water with a lemon squeezed in, make your bed, sit down in a chair and comfortable position while eating, and braid your hair :)
Anything you add to your list should be extremely simple, take 5 minutes or less, and not require something you don’t already own or have the capability to do right where you currently are. It’s amazing that these are going to be the things that change your outlook, your mood and allow you to handle the “big things” you will need to do this week with grace. We all know the world needs our female sanity this week (& always ;) Have fun making your list, share with a friend who you think needs this idea too, and keep it simple, mama!