Lessons From Isolation

Let me set the scene - two adults in their early 40’s parenting two lovely little children aged 5 and 3 in a decent sized house.

Both parents work full time, both children like to run around, lots. Both children test positive for COVID19.

It was due to happen, they are tactile children. The school started sending messages about positive cases and of course we LFT’ed our two. Seeing a positive after months of negative results was different!

We syncronised our HAVE TO DO lists (yes, there were clashes), and crossed our fingers. Here’s what I learned, these can be applied to all aspects of life.

1. Slowly does it.
   Within day one we had made a mega den, built a Lego castle, had an obstacle cause and played every game (including Twister). So what could we do on day two? Or three? Or five? We played our hand too early. ALWAYS take your time.

2. Dance parties are always good.
   Bored? Dance. Tired? Dance. Excited? Dance. I have always been a fan of a dance break, but for kids it’s a winner, especially when you yell “ALEXA! PLAY THR SOUNDTRACK TO ENCANTO!”

3. Routine helps.
   I know, I know, it’s boring and unsexy, but routine really can help everyone. Waking up at the same time, going to bed at the same time, having food around the same time. Everyone knows where they stand, there is less room for confusion. Routine is dependable, and in a time of some chaos, we need something to depend on.

4. People love to help.
   Everyone who knows us who lives nearby asked if there was anything they could do to help. Everyone. Old neighbours, new neighbours, friends, family.People want to help - they like to help. Never think asking for help is bad or weak. People love to help.

5. Things don’t always go to plan.
   That’s right, things screw up. And you have to be okay with that - and go with the flow. I’m going to repeat that - BE OKAY WITH THINGS MESSING UP.

6. Taking time out was important.
   I have always upheld the view that time alone is vital in wellbeing, but during this week, it really was. I don’t care to be the best - I care to feel content. Success for me looks like my family laughing, it looks like peace. And I can get this from reconnecting with who I am and how I think - and this is achieved by taking time alone.

Like I said, these can be applied to every day life and many different situations. And that last one, taking time out, that’s hard. I am passionate about supporting people learn how to take that time. My workshop on the 16th of February is designed to help you do just that. The details are here -

Pause With Purpose is the workshop empowering you to find the power of the pause! 
During the 90 minutes you'll dive into why you constantly feel like you have no time for you, you'll learn how to give yourself permission to stop, you'll change the narrative about yourself and the world when it comes to taking a rest, and you'll discover simple steps to stop feeling like you always have to DO DO DO. 

It will guide you towards a happier way of being, rather than a stressed out way of doing. 

And you can buy tickets HERE .