As difficult as this pandemic is in so many ways, I’m trying to find more silver linings. I’m grateful for the opportunity to embrace a more mindful, quieter, simpler way of life.
There’s still a bit of a chill in the air most mornings, but the sun has been shining, too. That’s one of the lovely things about spring. I think I appreciate the changes in the weather more than ever, each inspires an opportunity to delight in something new from my own living room.
The gentle breezes invite the trees to dance around us. The sea shines and sparkles with the sun. Salt air blows through the open window, making me more grateful than ever for the fresh clean air.
Lately I’ve been watching a beautiful Blue Heron fly around our yard and land on the shed outside our window as I work in my living room. He’s a massive bird, likely on the hunt for a snack from the neighbor’s pond. I can’t blame him. I’m sorry for the fish. But I remember what it felt like to be free to fly, to head out on a whim, to venture into town to grab a quick snack, coffee or dinner out. That life all seems like so long ago!
We are navigating our new normal and looking for ways to make the best of the situation in front of us. I don’t like that people are suffering and afraid. I don’t like to consider the what ifs and unknowns. But I’m so grateful for the sacrifices so many are making on our behalf. It’s hard to wrap my mind around it all. For now, we are simply asked to stay home. We get to stay home. We are safe. We are healthy. We are together. I know this is a gift not everyone has right now. It’s not something any of us can take for granted.
Here are a few things I’ve been doing to bring a sense of tranquility to my home:
- Finding more joy in simply being present, observing the beauty around me.
- Delighting in cutting + arranging flowers from my yard.
- Quieting the noise of the outside world and listening to silence.
- Praying for people instead of worrying.
- Filling my diffuser with calming oils and taking deep cleansing breaths whenever I feel stressed.
- Taking walks and drives on quiet streets and smiling at strangers from six feet away.
- Keeping gratitude lists in my journal and notebooks, so I’ll never forget the gifts and simple pleasures in this season.
- Cleaning our home with more gratitude for this warm and safe shelter.
More on The Inspired Room:
Join Us for the 31 Day Love Your Home Challenge!
How to Look for Loveliness in Difficult Times
How to Find Joy at Home: A Simple Guide
This was a beautiful posting. I am so grateful for my warm house and I am praying for all humanity too. In this universal pause let us all embrace peace.
Nice photos.
Thank you for your continued postings during this unusual time. I had just read your book Dwelling when the pandemic hit. I’m in Michigan (and in a suburb of Detroit) and needless to say our lives here have changed very much. Michiganders are strong people and we will get through this as will everyone else. I just wanted to let you know that I do find comfort from your blog and look forward to every post. Stay well. I will keep you in my prayers.
I love your posts Melissa. Lifts my spirit :) and encourages my
Heart xo thank u 🙏
I always look forward to reading your posts and today your comment about fresh clean air and looking for silver linings really resonated with me. With so many people staying at home there is now far less pollution in the atmosphere – something good has come out of something so awful. Praying that we all stay safe and well.
Our pastor shared a great thought that focusing on the past brings pain, worrying about the future brings anxiety-Thankfulness and gratitude keep us in the present, which leads to peace.
Melissa ~ as always, thank you so much for these needful and gentle reminders. ~ Debbie
A great thoughtful post, thank you
You have a beautiful home, not something to take for granted in times like these. Was wondering if I missed a post. A few weeks ago I thought you said that you were going to do a tour of the space you made over for your daughter.
You didn’t miss it, we’re just slow 💙. We should have that post ready soon 💙.
I first came upon your blog when you redid you kitchen and thought it was just beautiful and your home was so warm and inviting. I look forward to hearing about your life on the west coast as it is so different from Pittsburgh. In this time of uncertainty and loss it feels good to read about your thankfulness and gratitude. I work for a big box store and it is a very stressful time for us in the trenches, so when I can have a cup of tea and read your blog that is my time for calm, tranquility and self reflection. So thank you Melissa!
Thank you, Nancy. Take care. 💙
As a nurse, reading your blog brings comfort to me. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and beautiful
pictures.
Wishing and all your readers good health. Good health and safety to all!
Thank you, Teresa, for your kind words and for your service and sacrifice on everyone’s behalf. 🙏🏻
I think we all understand you so very much.
I also take walks and wave to people 6+ feet away. It nice to know people care.
I truly feel like we are in a setting so many years ago.
It’s kind of nice.
I do miss a dinner out or just a glass of wine by the fire pit at a restaurant we go to.
I pray this to will pass, in the meantime I enjoy having our daughter here with us.
She has a place in Brooklyn, but not safe to be there now.
We live in upstate NY. A bit safer for now.
Have a peaceful day.
Rose
I know what you mean about feeling like we have returned to a time and setting long ago. I’m so glad your daughter is with you. Stay safe. xo