Hi There ~
These past few weeks have involved way too much time online.
Way . Too . Much
There was a week spent counseling at the Thrive's Gather Conference along with all the training and debriefing that followed. Cramming in as many sessions as possible at She Leads Church Summit.
And don't even get me started on the endless hours spent in 'waiting rooms' to get onto the site to hopefully find a place to get the vaccine ... and then racing through pages of endless questions in 15 minutes after I found an illusive opening {how many times do you really need me to tap out my name and birthdate?}
And yes, I have an appointment for the J & J vaccine this Tuesday. Thank You, Jesus.
Halfway through yesterday, I had had enough. I simply turned my phone off and hid it under a pile of stuff on my desk and headed back downstairs to curl up under my soft, fuzzy throw and indulge in a long winter's nap.
It's not news to any of us that too much time spent with our screens leaves us foggy and exhausted, spent and a bit crispy. Disoriented. This is especially true for all of you who work online, who are required to spend endless hours on Zoom, or spend an inordinate amount of time blogging / on social media.
Pandemic brain leaves me strangely unfocused. Like having crammed far too much into my head so that I can't string two sentences together, aimlessly wandering around the house leaving tasks half done, trying to figure out what's for dinner at 4:30 as I gaze into the freezer, unable to spend relaxed time in the company of an inviting book.
I'm craving rhythm and connection and purpose and creativity. A free and active life in the company of others.
Here's what I'm learning ...
* I try to stay upstairs in the morning 'til everything there is completed. All the things. Reading through the Psalms outloud, tidying, washing and dressing, desk work and bill paying, airing out the rooms, making the bed, stretching.
* Keep a running 'don't forget' list on my desk and use the white board on the fridge to track our daily schedule for a week. No more when's his visit with the dentist? Is he working today? What time is that appointment anyway? What's happening Thursday? Who's going where when?
* I need to get outside to clear my head. This week's been a cold one so some days all I've done is step outside and breathe deep for a minute or two. It matters. This coming week looks to be a good one for daily walks. Praise be.
* I tend to do alot of blog visiting in chunks, for lack of a better word. Party-hopping, so to speak. There's a time or two every week when I just can't wait to see what you're creating and I'm off and running. This is so refreshing and fun and all those good things. I try to visit all my readers at least once a week and continue to reach out to new-to-me writers. Forgive me for when I'm unsuccessful.
* We've got a few friends in our 'bubble' and I try to get together with someone in person at least once a week. I'm missing face-to-face contact, and I can't begin to tell you how I yearn to see my girls and their families. Kissing my mother on our weekly visit through masks is impossibly obnoxious, especially because 99% of our half hour is spent six feet apart. It is what it is.
* I need to do something for others. It's been far too easy to isolate which only leads to endless self-absorption which leaves us lonely and unmoored. I've been doing a series of women's pandemic support groups since September, masked and six feet apart. I love doing life with these women, hearing their stories, offering them a safe place to land and unload and connect and be revived. Good stuff.
* I sing outloud. All the verses, all the words. I'm literally praising God all day long. My poor husband. Maybe I should buy him some ear plugs. Although when I ask, he's starting to join in once in awhile. The Lord is worthy of all the adoration we can offer, even if it's off key and at the oddest moments. I'm amazed at the old hymns that pop into my head via my heart, the ones I haven't heard in decades.
I love what the Holy Spirit invites us to. Especially in these uncertain days of waiting, hoping, dreaming, praying.
What rhythms are guiding you to be more focused, organized, purposeful?
Linda
*
I don't know if I would call them rhythms or not but I have slowly kicked off the long haul status (so far) of Covid and have become more active. Riding my bike inside. Going to the Y. Through it all I still went to the office. The elders have divided up the folks of the church and we pray for a different group each month (they all get prayed for each month). As prep for turning over to a new list tomorrow (Monday) I took to driving to many of their driveways to pray for them. It got me out of the office and into the sunshine. Yes, we had that! I hate to tell you to eat your heart out but we hit the 50s this past week with sunshine. But who am I to rub it in? :) I've also taken to listening to Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman and Pat Barrett during my workouts and driving. Keep singing Linda!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to hear that you're shaking off those post-Covid effects, Bill. I hear the exhaustion that often follows can take awhile to ease. I've always loved that you have continued visiting your people via their driveways ... I can imagine that for some, it's probably the only contact that they have.
DeleteWe keep needing to get creative in reaching out ...
If the days just seem too rough,
ReplyDeleteand it feels that there's no chance,
I hope that you'll find strength enough
to lift your arms, and dance.
Dance to greet the morning sun,
dance beneath the moon,
twirl until His Kingdom Come,
be that day far, or soon,
for as you dance your blood will rise
with energetic flow,
and your soul will touch the skies
and in assurance know
that what of old was said is true,
the Lord of the Dance will dance with you.
Bleeding internally over the past few days, but it's a beautiful morning here, and I have no complaints.
What a wonderful poem, Thank you!
DeleteWell, I've never been a dancer, but your ode is just about enough to take me there, Andrew.
DeleteYou remind me of my mom ... even though she's on Hospice and is now dealing with post-Covid symptoms, she never fails to talk about the beauty of the morning. It's people like her and you that show us how to give thanks in the darkest of valleys.
Praying for you and Barbara right now.
So happy that you've got a vaccine scheduled, Linda! That's the first step in escaping from the isolation this Covid has caused. And your remedies for how to deal with the foggy mind are so helpful. It's too much of a temptation to stay glued to our phones/computers when we are stuck at home so much, but it is a necessary move. And I love getting outside on our deck, even if the weather is cold, just to watch the birds and squirrels, and listen to the wind in the trees.
ReplyDeleteHave a blessed week!
Martha hi ...
DeleteEven if we're fortunate enough not to be impacted by the disease itself, the isolation and loss of community is certainly doing a number on folks. From school age to the oldest among us, so many have been deeply impacted, physically, emotionally, relationally, financially, and spiritually.
I'm guessing we won't fully comprehend the enormity of the pandemic's effect until after it fades somewhat. The rates of anxiety and depression have risen to alarming rates, especially with our young people. There will be some that will never bounce back from the disruption and long term trauma they've been through.
Post-pandemic ministry and outreach will definitely need to be creative, extensive, and freely available. I am concerned over the sheer number of fragile, vulnerable people I've connected with this past year.
God have mercy.
Ok. Now I'll get off my soapbox!
You’re post helped me understand why a I’m suddenly taking naps - pandemic brain.
ReplyDeleteWhen weather is bad, I sometimes have to walk around the house to get my 10,000 daily steps in. I really, really can’t sing, but I “sing” hymns while I walk. Fortunately, my husband has a headset. Gail
Gee, you must have to do a WHOLE LOT of walking around the house to get those 10.000 steps in, Gail! No wonder you're napping!
Delete;-}
If I could motivate myself to go there, I'm imagining how clean my house could be right about now.
I think I'll go work on a puzzle instead.
;-}
We need to focus forwards with hope and trust in God. No point in looking back.
ReplyDeleteWhenever I look back I often walk into lamp posts or trees.
God bless.
Especially if you've got a phone in your hand, too, right?
Delete;-}
Linda, I have been singing so much lately, love the old hymns and the modern day ones by the Getty’s. Hubby and I are reading through the Bible together out loud for the third time, this time chronologically. Reading out loud together is like praying out loud, I stay focused. Thank you for your encouraging posts! Have a lovely week.
ReplyDeleteI knew others were joining me in song!
DeleteThanks toward the nudge toward families reading Scripture out loud together. Yes, yes, Pam.
I am an all day singer, too. It would be fun to harmonize!
ReplyDelete;-}
DeleteI do understand this Pandemic brain and too much screen time brain! I've been feeling that a lot as well! I can see how you taking a step outside and breathing can be like water for a elephant on a hot day. Cleansing and refreshing! Tactile activities like paper crafting help me-completely for no agenda except to maybe create a card that might make someone smile. May you have a week of breathing in refreshment, Linda!
ReplyDeleteCreating beautiful handmade cards is a dying art. Even sending cards and notes aren't as big a deal as they used to be ... until you get a personalized note from someone and you realize how much you've craved that kind of connection.
DeleteWhat a gift that is, Lynn!
Thanks for these good suggestions, Linda. I feel the need to unplug at times too. Many times. Lately, I have been singing "Create In Me a Clean Heart O God". I don't know why but I hope to find out. Good for you for getting the vaccine! The J&J one is the one I would prefer, but at this point, I would take any of them.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful song to be singing these days, Laurie. This past year has assaulted us on all sides, leaving us a bit tattered and messy and worn. I'll be joining you in singing that simple hymn.
DeleteHow we need Him.
Linda, lists like this are helpful for me because they lay out small-but-significant steps to take, but also because they demonstrate that it is always possible to mine our lives for little changes that can make a big difference in any area. When my daughter Molly went back to school full-time last week, I had to make some adjustments so we could leave a few minutes earlier and beat most of the school traffic. I'm getting up 10 minutes earlier, for one thing, but I'm also putting off making my bed until after I get home from dropping her off. This sounds barely worthy of mention, but my word. I've been making my bed immediately upon waking up for DECADES and it honestly took me several days to get used to not doing it! But those two little changes have allowed me to keep my routine mostly the same AND get Molly to school on time, so they are kinda big to me. :-) Perhaps where pandemic brain comes into the picture is when I get home and get distracted and forget the bed needs making until much later ... :-)
ReplyDeleteYou're spot on, Lois! A little step here, a little step there sure beats throwing up our hands and doing nothing. Some days just a couple of those tiny actions add up to something special.
DeleteAnd yes, some days I make the bed at 7 pm at night. Go figure ...
Love your idea of getting outdoors, even if it's just a couple of minutes. There's something about the act of simply visiting God's living room that refreshes our souls. Too often I allow the cold (or the heat and humidity of July and August) to keep me indoors. You've inspired me, Linda!
ReplyDelete'God's living room.' LOVE this, Nancy! The next time I step outdoors to take a breather, I know your apt description will come to my mind.
DeleteBeautiful!
Congrats on getting the vaccine booked!
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate to the pandemic brain. I'm working from home, but I try to break up my screen time with tea time. I deliberately leave the teapot in the kitchen so I have to get up to refill my teacup!
Thanks for the visit.
A few steps here and a few steps there add up, don't they, Margie ... especially if we're super-avid tea drinkers like I've become this winter.
DeleteI like your idea about breaking up screen time. I know this is the right thing to do, but once I sit down I tend to stay in one place til all the writing's done.
;-{
'The Lord is worthy of all the adoration we can offer, even if it's off key and at the oddest moments' - this made me laugh :D but it's so true, He is worthy. I like your list - pandemic brain is the norm these days and it can leave you drained and feeling off. Thank you for sharing these.
ReplyDeleteWemi, you're right, for many of us pandemic brain has become the default mode. I'm trusting that as we continue to move forward our minds will be clear and focused and ready for action!
DeleteLinda, I love this post and how intentional you are to not succumb to pandemic brain. I've found morning walks and having my phone/camera with me gives me breathing space. I am more focused on looking for glimpses of God's beauty, which is good for my spirit. That said, I will admit that I haven't been outdoors as much lately as I'd like. And I'm missing it.
ReplyDeleteI've worked to keep a rough schedule for my days, which has helped me to be more productive with the things I'm trying to accomplish. Which is a good thing. :) And, I've worked to be more present when one of my three guys wants to talk. At times, I have to say, "Give me a minute," which is also good, because then I can be fully engaged in the conversation. I loved your list, Linda!
Yes, to walks, Jeanne! And bonus points for unexpected and refreshing photo ops along the way.
DeleteAnd yes, over time I continue to remind myself to be fully present for whoever is talking to me. Literally turning away from the screen or the sink or whatever. If we don't give that grace to others, they're more apt to go find someone else who'll listen to them.
You're such a good mama!
;-}
I entered 2021 with God telling me "step back". I had no idea what He meant as my life is pretty quiet. But then things started happening that made me step back from social media, some good friends (what's up with that?!?!) etc.....I began to have a sense of peace and quietness in my life I had not had for awhile. I started having revelations about things. Some things got clearer. I think God is "pruning" me during this time. When life is still quiet and things haven't gotten back to "normal" yet..........Because after this pandemic is over I'm going to get thrown back into life again. I'm enjoying the pruning time............
ReplyDeleteHi Val! I almost fell over when I read your comment because the verse I posted on LinkedIn this morning was John 15:2, the pruning verse!
DeleteThis is serendipity, for sure. An unexpected delight!
I love that sense of peace and quietness that you're experiencing. Social media, too many voices coming at us from all sides certainly is wearing. How wonderful that you're meeting God in this pandemic time. Yours will be a story to tell ...
I love this picture of a beautiful, orderly, productive life.
ReplyDeleteTrust me, Lauren, this is my ideal dream day! Even the best laid plans so easily get derailed these days. But I'm still in learning mode, and these choices are my goal ...
DeleteBy God's grace.
:-}
I guess that I haven't felt the pandemic brain, Linda. I'm thankful about that, but I understand how other's have felt. Thank you for visiting my little blog!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy you're doing so well, sweet Kitty ... and how kind of you to be so empathetic toward those who struggle. Keep sharing the love!
DeleteLinda, you have come up with some truly healthy coping strategies; Especially naps & to-do lists.
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading this I realize that I have had the endless feeling of studying for exams that will never end! Exhaustion. Brain fog! Too much information. No place to go to escape the craziness.
Barb, yes! The 'endless feeling of studying for exams that will never end!' An absolutely perfect description.
DeleteToo much information. I hear you. I dialed WAY back on that a few months in. All that news was creating anxiety in body and soul.
I'm so glad you're here. Welcome!
Yes, yes, yes, we need time away from the screen, including our phones. I have taken a little more time away the last two weeks and it has been wonderful. Being outside is amazing. Thank you for sharing with Grace & Truth Link-Up. Maree
ReplyDelete'Being outside is amazing.'
DeleteNo truer words have been spoken. God's creation is filled with His healing touch ... the sights, sounds, scents. Praise be.
Linda, I appreciate your thoughts and helps in this post. Little things make a BIG difference, and sometimes we need to take the time to make those changes. AND be kind to ourselves when we feel overwhelm. Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteOh Donna, you're so right about even the little things can make a big difference. Sometimes we aim so high like we're going to revolutionize the world and we end up getting frustrated and give up when changes and choices don't quickly resolve the issue.
DeleteAnd for sure, let's be kind to ourselves. Sometimes we're our own worst taskmasters ...
great tips and love the singing outloud. I have been praying more aloud too,
ReplyDeleteDoesn't it make a huge difference?
DeleteOr is it just me!
I've been visiting blogs only in chunks myself, but I should visit you immediately everytime you post something because it always feeds my soul! This is no exception. I appreciate your honesty about pandemic brain. I've definitely had it too. So happy about you getting the vaccine! I got called today to come in Monday, 22nd, for shot 1 of Pfizer. I was so shocked I thought it was a joke. lol. Monday is the first day it becomes available to 55 yrs and above (they told us last Friday) so I added my name to the waiting list that very day. I see light at the end of the tunnel. Love you, friend!
ReplyDeleteOh Lisa, thank you for letting me know that there's something of value here for you. If anything is soul-feeding, it's only because the Lord is doing His refining work in our hearts.
DeleteI am grateful.
And yes, there's light at the end of the tunnel.