| A couple of years ago, I read this gem of requisite information on a bathroom cubicle wall. Every 5 years a woman uses her height in lipstick. I mean, how would you even measure that? Are the tubes lying flat or stacked on top of each other? And then I wondered, do taller women use more lipstick than short women?This is enough to send you reeling.But never in my wildest dreams did I ever think there would come a time when I wouldn’t have the need to wear lipstick? |
| How are we all managing to keep stitching ourselves together in this time of constant upheavals and the omnipresence of uncertainty? |
We are good at many things, but managing change usually isn’t one of them. We are basically creatures of habit, taking comfort in knowing what to expect. When we consider how COVID has flipped our lives upside down, it’s safe to say that we’re all still struggling. We are grieving our lost normalcy and forced to abandon traditions to fit these new circumstances. If there’s anything that underscores the interdependence we all have, it’s this situation. |
| Fortunately, I rolled into this without much of a social life, so my strategy so far has been to continue not having much of a social life. It’s been a pretty smooth transition. |
| Thinking back on the decades I have been wobbling over this planet, I feel I have undoubtedly picked up a smattering of invaluable life experiences and non-essential information, coupled with an even greater tendency to offer advice, opinions and dubious philosophies. |
| In this vein, I have come up with some suggestions that may aid in this challenging time. |
| 1. Exercise. Some of us are allergic to sports or physical efforts, but it is important. Running is good, although I have long given it up because at the end of the run, essential body parts hurt. Instead, I walk. I especially like to walk in a dog park and pretend that the dog owners are talking to me instead of their dogs. It really helps my flagging spirit to be regaled as a ‘good girl’ or a ‘gorgeous’ pup. I also do most of my grocery shopping on foot, choosing things I like to eat, like red liquorice and not-dark chocolate. 2. Tidy a little area every day. Personally, I like order more than chaos, invariably finding more dust than I thought ever existed. 3. Keep expectations low and wants simple. One task accomplished a day is sufficient, like cleaning the small parts of your electric kettle with a toothbrush, rinsing your shoelaces, or hanging a garage door. 4. Sleep. A few afternoon naps can save the day…darn, I just burned 2000 calories. That’s the last time I leave brownies in the oven while I nap. 5. Snack between meals. I read that Health Canada recommends we do at least 30 minutes a day of eating to reduce stress and boost our mood. Then I read it again and realized it said exercising, not eating. That was disappointing. 6. Practice delayed gratification. We need to take a page out of the book of cuttlefish. Cuttlefish are experts at delayed gratification. Scientists have found that can they keep track of what they’re eating, where they’ve eaten it, and how long ago they ate it. This type of memory is called episodic-like memory. It was once thought to be unique to humans, but all sorts of brainy cuttlefish are capable of it. They know the benefits of holding tight. |
| 7. Find a new activity. I attempted a 4,000 piece puzzle that kept me busy for at least an hour. I’ve also taken up razoring eyebrows, as salon waxing and tweezing services sporadically get suspended. Fortunately, nose whiskers grow slowly. Someone once suggested I also stop watching Netflix, turn off the phone, and spend a little time getting to know my family. But they’ve never met my family. |
| 8. Drink lots of liquids. Swallow a glass of Patron tequila after every meal. I’m not a doctor, but I watched a lot of episodes of Grey’s Anatomy, so you can trust me on this. |
| 9. Travel vicariously by binge-watching travel shows. This is the first year I’m not going to Fiji because of COVID. Normally I don’t go because I can’t afford it. |
Well, I’m off to spend more time with my opinions. |
I always look forward to your blogs Karen! You are a gifted writer for sure!
Thanks for the smile Karyn! Its great to have your humour back in my inbox.
Big Hug for Easter! Hope the Easter Bunny has been good to you,