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This post is part of my Quarantine Journal Series. Read more about my intentions behind it here.
Today is April 1st, 2020.
At the start of the new month, I usually map out my plans for the month. I review the last month, look at scheduled plans for the upcoming month, review my bigger picture goals and set some goals and intentions for the month ahead.
It probably goes without saying that I am not doing that this month.
Here’s what I’m doing instead:
Taking it one day at a time
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when I think too far into the future. My mind is oriented towards thinking about the future and mapping out what it might look like. But right now, I’ve learned that when I do that, I’m almost certainly going to be wrong and probably disappointed. So, I am doing my best to settle into my daily rhythm and routine and not get caught up in thinking too far beyond that.
Setting Daily Intentions
Part of settling into a daily rhythm is deciding what kinds of things I want to do every day. This is not a checklist or a to-do list. Instead, I have a list of daily intentions that make me feel better/centered/present/slightly less stressed, and I do my best to make space for them each day.
Finding Things to Look Forward To
The only real “planning” I’m doing right now in my personal life is occasionally trying to set some “special nights” or “special activities” to sprinkle throughout my week. This could be watching a movie I’ve always wanted to see, a virtual game night with friends, or some time in the sauna. By picking specific times for these kinds of activities, it gives me some sense of structure and varies my days.
Last month was different than anything I could have expected. This month I am trying to release expectations while settling into a rhythm that makes me feel the best I can in these circumstances. The releasing feels scary, but the rhythm helps keep me calm and focused.
What rhythms are you finding this month? What expectations are you releasing? What daily intentions might help you feel more grounded?
Quarantine Journal