Tag: life

it seems to me that a big part of this pandemic is going to involve people taking back control…

a lot of us, not all of course, but many of the people with whom i have spoken over the past months of self-isolation, have found this period of forced slowing down and restricted movement to be invaluable in helping them to discern exactly what is really important in their lives and what, well, just isn’t.

we had all, people from all walks of life, widened our horizons and looked to bigger-higher-harder goals- this is not a bad thing. however, it runs the risk of creating a world in which instead of just enjoying, appreciating and perfecting the many wonderful recourses and little luxuries that already exist; social media and instant access to more, to “better”, to the “ideal” lands us in a perpetual state of wanting, wondering, striving.

and so, i find many people around me taking their own reigns firmly in hand and pulling hard– slowing down and taking back control on some many levels.

globally, people are rethinking their finances-this we must all do- and reassessing what is valuable to us. to each their own; priorities are personal.  for some, it may mean investing in a new computer to facilitate online learning; for others, a good bottle of wine once a week may be a necessary luxury; while for others it may mean focusing on creating a strong savings account for future use.  and meanwhile, the unfortunate reality is that for so, so many none of these things are even possible as the pandemic causes widespread job and income loss.

travel too, is being reassessed.  summer is time for vacation for most of us and as these plans become secondary- who wants to risk an unnecessary airplane flight right now- i see people hard at work on their homes and gardens. making them comfortable and more useable; creating family friendly areas; cleaning out and making space for what is really important. grateful to be able to slow down and enjoy their time and environments with loved ones.  honestly, for me, this comes as a bit of relief after a number of years of nearly dizzying summer travels.

but most of all, i see so many people taking back control of their very beings, of themselves. 

physically, emotionally, intellectually… people are coming back to and into their own…asserting their control- and with it their power.

one beautiful friend has started a long-anticipated diet and exercise regime; and with more time at home, she is sticking to it, and she is thrilled! another creative soul has started a cookbook project long in the planning. yet another has enrolled- and already completed- a handful of education courses all geared towards a longer-term project of furthering early childhood education here in turkey. 

as for me, i’m finding my voice again. somehow, in the crazy everyday busyness of parenting three kids in a bustling metropolis; it got lost.

it is so nice to hear it again- echoing in my ears as i go about the business of my day.  making decisions; some of them really tough ones- and trying to guide my family through these truly strange times; my inner voice is there, steadily growing louder and more confident again.

what do I want, what do I like, how do I feel- all this had gotten lost in the shuffle. it’s all slowly re-emerging. 

what’s coming, i’m not quite sure yet, but changes are happening. some have been small; some feel rather massive- but either way- i’m taking back control and remembering my power.