Looking for a pick-me-up? Aren’t we all!
Sometimes escapism is just the thing at a time like this, especially when I am reaching my breaking point and need a release from the pressures of homeschooling (thank you, internet, for your service in helping me with that one), working (again, thank you, internet!), and determining the odds of finding a decent loaf of bread at this store vs that one.
I openly admit that I am the queen of escapism, even on my better days! Diving head-first into a book or movie allows me to travel to a different time and place, become a different person, or, my personal favorite, turn me into a superhero (or at the very least, turn me into the person standing next to one and unabashedly ogling him). I can be transported away from my drama and into someone else’s for a while!
Eventually, however, the time comes that I have to crawl out of my head and take time to be present. In the moment. But, damn, this is hard! If I spend too much time reading news or thinking about our current circumstances, my brain takes me to a dark, dark place.
I recently saw a YouTube video that reminded me of something extremely important. Something that I, expert escape artist that I am, really needed to hear.
When times are the hardest, it’s even more important to take time to appreciate what we have, think positivity, and find ways to bring joy to others. Here’s the key: This isn’t done as a way to escape from the chaos and anxiety of our current circumstances, but instead is done amidst it! It’s about finding ways to “ride the wave” of this current chapter in our lives while remembering to laugh and love and make the best out of it.
It’s a way of saying, “Yes, this thing and that thing (you fill in the blanks) are happening, and that makes my heart heavy. I acknowledge it, but I also see what else is happening! This thing and that thing are happening, too, and that makes my heart lighter!”
For those of you that haven’t seen these videos yet, I promise you that this YouTube channel is an absolute must-see! Actor John Krasinski adds a cheeky take on his experiences with the stay-in-place, and shares good news from around the world. Every episode I’ve seen so far has had a jaw-dropping fun surprise!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOe_y6KKvS3PdIfb9q9pGug
