I’m taking small steps back into the work world again and it feels good. My goal is to “make it” as a freelance writer. The way I go about this will make a big difference. Will I revert to my instant-gratification mindset, thinking I can make it happen overnight? Or will I take the recovery approach and take it one day at a time?
Over the past two years, I’ve been going the instant gratification route. Alas, that never works. For whatever reason, I’ve started to slow down the past week or so and see the big picture. Maybe it’s this self-isolation that’s caused me to be more reflective.
My grandfather and I took a long walk this morning and, for the first time in a while, I felt in touch with things. Since the pandemic started, I feel as though I’ve been tethered to technology. It was nice to get away from it this morning and get fresh air and get out of my jumbled thoughts.
One thing that’s been nice is sharing a gratitude list with a friend from recovery every morning. It’s a good reminder to stay grateful for little things during what’s going on.
I’m still reading and listening to tons of interesting stuff. I’m big into podcasts right now – I’m currently making my way through a podcast called TANIS that I highly recommend. TANIS is a documentary series where the narrator explores an ancient myth in the mysterious corners of the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Over the course of the five seasons, the narrator interacts with a variety of strange characters, including a cult, a group of research scientists called “The Grackles,” and a secret government facility known as Pacifica.
Gratitude reminders
One of the tough parts of the pandemic has been being separated from my girlfriend and other people I love. I guess that’s the case for most people right now. I’ve always been a bit of a loner, but I still miss human contact. For now, I’m trying to be responsible and stay inside as much as I can.
One thing that’s been nice is sharing a gratitude list with a friend from recovery every morning. It’s a good reminder to stay grateful for little things during what’s going on. It’s also important for me because it keeps my mind from getting too negative, which can happen.
I’ve never been a big fan of social media, but I’m also enjoying Snapchat messages with my girlfriend, Rachel, throughout the day. The little messages and videos lighten things up and remind me to not take myself too seriously.
What are you doing to stay sane right now? Hope everyone is staying safe and well, whatever it is that brings you hope and joy.
