As of the time of this writing, we’re in the middle of this COVID-19 global pandemic scare. But it doesn’t have to be a global pandemic. What we’re going to talk about today applies to any type of chaotic situation.
I’m here in my isolated lockdown bubble in France, in creation mode for all the mama’s all over the world who are in their own isolated lockdown bubbles.
I see a lot of moms trying to maintain as much ‘normal’ as possible for our kids…and that’s only natural! We think that by putting on a brave face and keeping life as normal as possible, we will protect our children from becoming overly alarmed.
Here’s the thing: Forget the idea of trying to stick to your regular schedule. That’s stressing us as Moms out… because, let’s face it: there is NOTHING normal about what is going on right now.
Instead…We are being asked to create a NEW normal.
Whether you are homeschooling for the first time, trying to juggle work and kids from home, have suddenly found yourself without a job, or even perhaps a new mom thrown into this isolated locked-down life with a newborn…nothing is as though we thought it would be a few months ago.
First things first: I want you to try to use this time to feel your way through it. Tap into a different kind of wisdom you haven’t tapped into before. And by ‘before’ I mean that time when you weren’t as overloaded with information.
The goal here is to give you the tools you need to tend to yourself and tend to your family.
This time is a time to learn. A time where we can really lean into following the flow. And we can lean in best when we have something to lean on.
Enter, Our Daily Rhythm.
This is essentially our everyday routine when the kids are not in school. For example weekends, or Wednesdays when they don’t have school. I’m sharing what our day looks like — including the BIG shift I’ve had to make to our previous daily schedule. I go into this in more detail in the Ritual Care podcast (link below), but here’s a quick rundown. It’s our daily schedule, but I think of it more as our “daily rhythm” for flexibility:
So…what does this mean practically? Can we really achieve this kind of certainty and dependability each day??
NOPE. And you aren’t supposed to. I’ve been using this model for YEARS, and with all of the recent chaos, it’s a guideline that gets screwed up a lot lately. This is a flexible framework only. You’ll have disruptions and late starts because, kids. But this gives you a rhythm, rooted in routines and rituals, that you can come home to. Then you’ll be able to lean into that flow state more easily.
It’s time to stop resisting and clinging to what you think will make you successful or productive or stable or secure — especially a set-in-stone agenda.
It’s a time to stop trying to find grounding in everything that you did before this because the earth is shifting anyway. The schedules are changing anyway, so try this rhythm method. Use this time to start playing around with this idea of creating faith in your ability to move when the earth shakes, and not letting it shake you.
The thing about care rituals is that they are evergreen. You can pop them away in your useful box and take them out again whenever you need them.
This week I’ve recorded four special podcast episodes to help you through this lockdown period for COVID 19… BUT I want you to remember that you can use these resources any time you feel you need them.
Care rituals are interchangeable, and although these tips are particularly helpful right now, they’ll continue to be beneficial for years to come.
Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll get in each of this week’s episodes.
125: Keeping It Normal Can Keep You Stuck
The episode gives you the tools you need to move WITH change and to stop fighting it. Forcing your old routines in this new world is not going to help in the long run.
126: Sitting With Discomfort Is F*cking Uncomfortable
We get real here – we’re all uncomfortable, and it’s pretty awful. Let’s learn how to be with our feelings of discontent instead of hiding away from them.
127: What Do We Do Now? Finding Your Rhythm with Routines + Rituals
Feeling the chaos in this Covid 19 whirlwind? Finding your new rhythm will create more ease for your family (and you!). In this podcast I share my “Quarantine Routine” (but you can use this at any time – quarantine not essential!).
128: Optimism In The Face Of Fear
Tips for coping with the pressures of being told to ‘put on a happy face’ when in fact you’re feeling very heavy with the stress of grief lockdown.
129: You Can Do Hard Things
Sometimes you just need someone to tell you that you can do it. It’s hard. It’s tiring. You’d rather NOT do it, but we NEED to do this. You CAN do this. I know you can.
Right now, you need to do what you need to do. Take time for yourself, be with your family, take things slowly.
Be okay with not being okay. We are at the beginning of our new normal, and we’re all learning. Be kind to yourself.
