Show up to the right mind-set

We have been in self-quarantine for over four weeks now. What has surprised me the most was the realisation that I may have procrastinated on certain aspects of my life.Hearing that internal voice in the weeks prior to lockdown saying, 'You know, I really should get this appointment done'. I told my best friend, 'We really should treat ourselves to a massage soon'.I remember thinking, 'I really should take the kids to Acro-branch. They have been asking me for ages'. But in the back of my mind, I knew I could postpone it for a few weeks, and it wasn't that urgent. More of a 'nice-to-have-at-the-moment', you know? And, now I am, like yourself and the entire world – at home, and there is no choice in the matter.Instead of beating myself up about the fact I never took more initiative on these 'trivial activities' – I instead ask, 'What can I learn from this'?Quite simply – I learnt I was taking these simple freedoms for granted. I took for granted that the opportunity will be waiting for me when I decide I'll make time for it. I pretty much took time for granted. I teach and train on how to maximise time – I know what to do with time and how to schedule my calendar effectively to make space for things that matter. I just assumed I would always have the choice of when and where I will be able to do those things.When 'normal' life resumes, I will change my lens on how I view time. Not to wait, not to put off the fun things. Because I'll get to it next week or next month because like all of us - 'I'm too busy'.I preach self-care and have zero guilt when I make time for my daily rituals like journaling, meditation and exercise. But I put off the little extras that were just for fun. Not only fun things for me but my kids too! I realised that one hour would have made no difference to that day, but I would have felt recharged for days after, maybe weeks!My message to you is this – do not take this time for granted. I know it's hard and challenging when you're juggling work and family life. But think back over the last six months - how many times did you feel guilty because you were working and weren't with the family? Don't take for granted this opportunity to be together.There are going to be days where you start the day with the noble intent to appreciate and enjoy it – savour it even. And then the kids start fighting in the middle of a conference call and the day turns somewhat pear-shaped. And you find yourself cursing under your breath until eventually you lose your patience and scream at them. We all do it….so there are going to be those days. But in between those incidents – there are special moments if you choose to appreciate them. Savour them. Don't take the fact that you can all have lunch together for granted or play a family game at 3 pm.We often wait for holidays to allow us to connect as families. But, now is the time. If you adopt this mindset, it enables the days to flow more organically instead fixating on a rigid program. If you're in this quarantine on your own, then use it as a time to connect with yourself. Don't wait for New Year's or your birthday with a 0 at the end of it.This time has taught me that life is short and unpredictable, so grab the special moments when you can.Every day is an opportunity to learn something about your kids and loved ones. Learn about yourself and what you are capable of in tough times. This situation is here to stay for the foreseeable future, so let's embrace it, accept it and don't take the lessons for granted.I wish you patience and courage during this time,Warm wishesLori