I started this series of blog posts by sharing things that I had seen that brought me cheer during a week of difficulty and panic.
The difficulty in my little corner of the world (which is now my apartment since I don’t go anywhere) is less looming, though not completely gone. I’ve adjusted and adapted and found solace in my solitude.
The panic is also somewhat subsided, as panic often does. Though in full blown panic, it feels it will last forever.
Maybe I just feel less alone within the struggles and concerns. When you’ve lost a loved one or a job or are facing an illness or family difficulty, and are grieving, you often feel alone in that grief because no one around you is going through the same thing at the same time.
But here, we know that countless numbers of us worldwide are struggling with the same issues, so we are united in our grief, our concern, our worries.
And we’re also united in our attempts to cheer and carry on. That solidarity has been one of the blessings of this time.
Here are a few other things from this week that brought me cheer.
1. Foot hammock
Somehow I fell into a rabbit hole – I think on Pinterest – and came across an article about nifty work accessories. The foot hammock in the article caught my eye. (I can’t find the original article but it was one like this.)
Maybe it was the orange color, maybe it was the fact that I’ve been hoping to find a footstool at just the right height that will look better than the box I usually use.
Both in my “real” office and now in my home office, I have a box that does what this hammock says it can do when sitting at my desk in the usual position for the sixth hour in a row starts to get uncomfortable. Here’s the home version of the box, stashed under a desk that, yes, is also raised a bit by standing on top of a series of mass market paperbacks. Whatever works to keep comfortable.
This idea made me smile. Not sure if I’ll get it or not. But a girl can dream.
2. Epcot entrance music loop
I’ve mentioned that I had planned to be going to Disney World about now, but of course, the parks are closed. They will reopen at some point, so I’m looking forward to the chance to go sometime in the future.
Meanwhile, this music always brings a smile to my face.
Walking around Epcot, eating good food at the Flower & Garden festival, listening to the music and park sounds, and taking in the lake, lights, and pretty sights is a happy memory.
This video instantly takes me there, and I often turn it on during mid-afternoons.
There are also music loops for the different Epcot pavilions and other Walt Disney World parks and resorts.
3. Disney video from Hollywood Studios
I’m in a Disney Facebook group, which is a fun lighthearted place to hang out. Like the parks are. They recently shared a short video they discovered.
I’m not the only person who likes the park music. Apparently, Disney has had a lot of people asking what the empty parks are like right now and if there is music. Disney Hollywood Studios shared this video revealing the answer.
No music is playing and it’s empty. But for a few minutes, they turned the music on for everyone viewing from home.
4. Library audiobooks and e-books
I go to the library. A lot. Every weekend.
I haven’t been in two months now.
I also have a lot of books at home, so I’m not going to run out of reading material any time soon.
But still, the library is a great place to discover new books you didn’t know you wanted to read. Or to find the right book on a topic you want to read about. What can we do now?
We can check out e-books and audiobooks, that’s what! I didn’t do that much before since I prefer physical books. But I’m taking daily walk/runs, and I love listening to audiobooks. And now I can on my phone.
Want to read a book now instead of weeks from now if/when the library opens? They probably have it in e-book.
My TBR list is in danger of getting out of control.
5. Fresh air
Working from home is an adjustment. Video meetings require different adjustments compared to in-person meetings. It’s harder to read non-verbal cues. Alternatively, it’s easier to shut off the non-verbal cues you sometimes wish you could ignore. So, there is that.
I am forever grateful that I have a job I can do at home and a workplace that has let me. One unexpected perk of working from home for me has been opening my doors and windows to fresh Spring air during the day.
I’ve not traditionally been someone who opened windows and doors, so possibly the fact that the door is inches from my desk and the covered screen patio keeps temperatures nice has something to do with this unexpected treat.
When you’re limited to where you can go and what you can do, just breathing fresh air, seeing the sun shining on the trees, and watching lovebugs float in the air brings cheer to the day.
6. Laughter even when you’d rather cringe
And speaking of the outdoors, one thing about nature I do not like at all is spiders.
I opened my front door yesterday to be confronted with a large spider web on the railing outside my door, just under the ceiling of the floor above me. Generally, as long as spiders stay away from me outside – not inside – I’m okay.
This one is just on the edge of my personal space. As long as it doesn’t extend a string of web to my door and I don’t have to feel wisps of it on my face or hair, I’ll grudgingly leave it alone. But I’d really rather it found somewhere else to put up shop.
If he gets any closer, this is how I’ll be.
I’m thankful I still have things I enjoy around me – work, friends, books, theme parks. The simple pleasure of a breeze of fresh air, of reading a book, of hearing birds chirp, and connecting with others, even if remotely.
Even when things are dark, there are points of lightness if we are open to them.