A BALM FOR THIS TIME
During last week’s edition of Friday Favorites, we talked about our balms for this time…the things that have provided nourishment, comfort, and soothing amidst our turbulent backdrop.
At the top of my list is walks with girlfriends - either in person, or from afar via phone.
They often happen impromptu - via a quick text ("are you free?") or, as we used to do back in the day - by simply calling the person to see if they're around and able to talk for a bit.
No calendar invite or complicated scheduling system needed.
When not via phone, these conversations typically happen via Marco Polo - an app that allows us to be with each other from wherever we are.
Together, sometimes side by side with distance and often from afar, we've trudged through snow, through ice, and through life, catching up on work and home… our thoughts on the pandemic and the election…the things we want to celebrate, and the things that sit heaviest on our hearts.
Here are some of the balms that you shared from your corners of the world.
Sarah shares, “My balm has been two things:
1) Chatting with my 85 years-young(!) Grandma on the phone or in-person. I pop over when possible. It is the ultimate experience to feel like things are just as they are meant to be in the Universe. She certainly has a way of putting things into perspective and reminding me that...nothing is forever and everything has meaning.
2) I've been going on brisk walks in the morning throughout winter. I skipped about 2 weeks when it was brutally cold in Iowa. Plus, instead of simply walking, I've been dancing on the sidewalk. This brings a spark to my day and I hope I'm putting smiles on other people's faces while twirling on the busy street.”
Mark shares, “My balm has been the NYT cooking email with new recipes. Working from home in walking distance to a really great Coop grocery and a nice farmers market has given me the ability to try 40+ new recipes to stretch my cooking skills and treat us to some incredible recipes during these trying and stressful times. Throw in a few nice little Italian wines and the edge is smoothed off a little during these raggedy times.”
Jackie shares, “My balm(s) - though not sure if these would be any different in a pandemic or not :). These things help me stay grounded and appreciating each day:
Waking up just a little early to enjoy my coffee and watch the sunrise out my bedroom window.
Breathing deep and appreciating the fresh air.
Maintaining goals and purpose.”
And Laura shares, “Happy Hour with my husband on Friday has been my balm for this time. After a long, tiring week, it is a relief to take a deep, relaxing breath on Friday afternoon!”
What about you? What have been your balms for this time? Drop a note in the comments if you’d like.
Related:
In the Company of Women: The Pandemic Void Only my Girlfriends can Fill
