Tag: coronavirus

The Most Excitement

Bailey GunnLeave a comment

Okay, okay. I have to admit that nothing is really happening right now. On a Wednesday in quarantine. And you’re probably like, no, probably not. 

But even if it wasn’t during quarantine, there probably still wouldn’t be much going on.

And that’s okay.

Because not every day is the most exciting day of your life. Some days it’s just a Wednesday and sometimes, it’s a holiday and sometimes it’s a day when you’re stuck in quarantine.

But it doesn’t make it any less special. Celebrate the little things. Get excited about the mail coming. Get excited about anything at all.

And try your best to not live your whole life on a Friday. Just because the most excitement in your day is something small, doesn’t mean it’s not worth something.

Love,

Bailey

TGFF

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Thank God For Friends!

So, unlike TGIF, TGFF is used solely during quarantine. It’s for when you have Zoom calls with your friends until the wee hours of the morning. It’s for when you get texts just because. It’s for when you get letters in the mail addressed to you.

It’s for when your friends come through for you, like never before.

True, I haven’t spoken to all of my friends, but I’ve spoken to a good portion of them. And seeing or hearing every single one of them has truly made a difference.

So @ all my friends, you’re the best and I’ll see you again soon.

Love,

Bailey

Starving for Social

Bailey GunnLeave a comment

I don’t like talking. Period. I typically keep my head down, literally and figuratively, when someone strikes up a conversation.

But as I was just walking around my neighborhood, a really nice woman hailed me from her front lawn. She struck up a conversation. And I was stuck.

I don’t even know what I said to her; it was all a blur.

All I can say was that it was a very pleasant conversation, and she was an extremely nice lady. I almost didn’t want to keep walking; she just had that air that she was someone I wanted to talk to.

That was probably my first conversation with a stranger since quarantine started.

And I needed it. And she probably needed it.

So, during this difficult time, remember that people need to feel less lonely. Even for a minute. So, even if you are a hardcore introvert like me, just try to be brave and say hello. Everyone’s isolated, but they don’t need to feel that way.

Love,

Bailey

If It Makes You Happy

Bailey GunnLeave a comment

then it can’t be that baaaaad!

Okay, Sheryl Crow aside, it can be pretty easy to feel guilty about some things in these difficult times.

It’s all: why am I eating that and why am I not doing anything and I’ve read this book/watched this movie 1,000 times…why am I doing that?

And the answer is: it probably makes you happy. And happiness is so hard to find in these times that in some ways, it probably doesn’t matter why you’re doing it. If you can find some pleasure in it instead of sadness, or anger, or apathy then there’s probably a good reason for you to do it again.

And if it’s the simple reason that it happens to make you happy, then why not?

Reach for the simple and good things during this time. It can sometimes be all we have.

Love,

Bailey

Miserable

Bailey GunnLeave a comment

Today’s weather was miserable. It had strong winds and a dousing rain. It was cloudy, it was muddy, and it was most definitely wet.

And so I was a bit miserable too. It’s a Monday, it’s rainy, and it’s just another reason to stay inside (as if I needed one).

But today was also a reminder that whatever you’re feeling right now about the quarantine, about social distancing, and about the virus, you can and should be feeling it.

You can be sad, disappointed, mad, tired, frustrated, relaxed, grateful, anything!

If you’re feeling it, then it’s a valid feeling.

So, if you are going to take today to be miserable, like me, then have at it!

All feelings are good. And no one should tell you how to feel.

Love,

Bailey

To Do

Bailey GunnLeave a comment

In this time of staying inside, it’s easy to look around and see the things that you need to tend to and that should be on your “to do” list.

But the problem with that is that you end up not really seeing the things for what they are.

For example, I have a large pile of TBR (to be read) books. Actually, most of my bookshelves I haven’t read. So, when I look at my ever-growing pile next to my bed or on my reading cart, I can’t help but want to feel an overwhelming sense of accomplishment for when I finish them. When what I should feel is excitement and anticipation at reading a new story.

So, the next time that you look at your “to do” list, try to feel a sense of gratefulness and appreciation instead of anxiety. See that pile of laundry is actually a gift that you were able to afford all of those clothes. Think about the great meals you had on the dishes you have to wash. And remember the joy in growing things when you look at the dark patches of dirt out in your garden.

Don’t see it as a chore but a chance to see something beautiful.

Love,

Bailey

I Can Do This

Bailey GunnLeave a comment

It’s Wednesday, and with or without a global pandemic, we all need a little positivity and affirmation in our lives for the middle of the week.

So, just repeat after me: “I can do this.”

Whether you’re just trying to stay on the couch and not go out in public, or you’re trying to keep your kids entertained, or you’re going to your 3rd or 4th shift of the week at a hospital or medical facility.

It’s okay to feel tired and worn out, even if your job is to just sit around and do nothing. We’re all fighting hard battles during this time, on the inside and out. Lots of people are feeling the exact same way that you do.

The thing that makes you different is that you get back up and say, “I can do this.”

And it’s okay if you add, “I can do this…later. Or I can do this…in a little while.”

Just take breaks, breathe, and remember: you got this.

Fighter

Bailey GunnLeave a comment

It’s easy to feel like you’re not doing much when you’re at home. Staring out windows, bingeing miles of TV, and wearing sweatpants can make it feel like you’re being lazy.

When in reality, you’re doing your part to fight this virus.

No, really. If you’re staying home and inside, you’re actually fighting and fighting hard. I know, most days it just feels like you’re fighting the urge to visit your family and friends. But it is so critical that you practice social distancing and fight the good fight.

So, keep fighting. And if that looks like sitting on your couch, eating snacks, and shopping online. So be it.

It’s more important than you think it is.

Love,

Bailey

Your Decision

Bailey GunnLeave a comment

Whether you are picking up a new skill set or just trying to keep your head above water, it’s important to remember where your power lies in this trying time.

It lies within you.

You have the power to change things you don’t like. It just starts with saying: I. Am. Tired. of _____.

And then you decide what happens next. That’s right, you decide.

Don’t worry about what other people are doing. You have to remember that you are at the helm of your own ship (relationship, friendship, or any other kind of ship.)

So, you pick where to sail to next – out into deeper waters or off a cliff.

It’s your decision. Even when things feel really out of hand.

Love,

Bailey

 

Do What You Can

Bailey GunnLeave a comment

Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. – Theodore Roosevelt

This is one of my favorite quotes, even when we aren’t in panic mode.

But I think it applies to our situation now too.

Do what you can is the rallying cry of homeworkers, homeschoolers, and people struggling everywhere.

However, if the internet is any measure, some people are taking the opportunity to clean things out, get rid of things, and just be productive.

But if you’re still struggling to do the simplest task, or you’re burdened by depression or anxiety, or you’re an essential worker on the front lines, my advice is the same.

Do what you can. Leave the rest.

Love,

Bailey