Like all of us in the world this pandemic has weighed heavy on my mind. My goal for this post is to acknowledge what is going on, share some links I like for info, ask for feedback on the types of uplifting blog topics you’d like to see in the coming weeks, and help to be a positive light for my community. Here’s my heartfelt post so we can move forward and get through this together!
First, A HUGE shoutout to all workers in healthcare who are working around the clock providing quality care for COVID-19 cases and all other cases. It is tender to see these folks selflessly put the needs of our community and country before your own. I am so grateful for you! And a HUGE thank you all other essential workers that are continuing to work during this crisis. THANK YOU!
RESOURCES I LIKE
Misinformation can be very troubling and there’s a lot of media noise out there. It can be very frustrating trying to figure out what is accurate and what isn’t. Aside from your local news (that helps with staying up to date with info happening in your community) here’s what I go to:
Jessica Sage Yellin – is an American journalist which specializes mostly on politics. She was the Chief White House Correspondent for CNN in Washington, D.C. from 2011 to 2013. Her videos on instagram are very clear and right to the point. No need to spend hours in front of a screen. Yay!!
CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) learn up-to-date info regarding, what to do if you get sick, outbreak stats, travel, getting prepared, and much more.
MPR News – Get current statements from your Governor, myths and facts around COVID 19, unemployment steps, and much more.
WHAT I’M DOING
Honestly, my routine hasn’t changed all that much. To support social distancing and do our part to flatten the curve, I don’t go into the office (Talisman Designs) where I normally go during the work week. I am able to get what I need done from home. So, I work 9 to 5 and squeeze in some deep cleaning time here and there. We go out of our way to stay home if we can help it. I put my boys to work, where they help with cleaning. I push them to continue reading (always a battle), practice piano (another battle) and make them play with their pets (that they so begged and begged for). We get out for walks away from public. Nate’s workplace has told everyone to work from home as well.
I’m doing some touch up projects and little random DIY’s around the house that I’ll be posting about using the supplies I already have in house. We play games, watch funny movies in the evening to keep laughing and hang out. So far there’s only been mild disciplining with kids. 😉 We are really benefiting from the miracle of technology and social media… so, I’m staying connected with friends & family without putting others at risk! I also go out of my way to limit how often I check the news.
Long story short we are taking this very seriously and are here to help if anyone in our community needs us (I mean that). Bottom line… we are prepared, taking necessary precautions, and staying very positive.
My plan is to go about the blog per usual, in hopes it will be a nice way to escape for a few moments each week and act as a healthy distraction in fun ways. See more on that in the topic below!
TOPICS FOR THE BLOG
I don’t want to seem insensitive posting regular home content, but it’s also what I’m passionate about. For me, it’s a way to de-stress. I want to share inspiring, relevant posts that can be enjoyed from the comfort of our homes.
Here are few thoughts: (Without Taking a Trip to the Store)
- Ways to Update & Improve Your Home
- Easy Home Improvement Projects to Tackle in a Day or Week
- Deep Clean Challenge
- A Weekly Home Decor Challenge
How do these sound? What do YOU want to see and read, if you have extra time on your hands at home? I’m all ears for any ideas you might have! I would absolutely love to hear what you guys want to see on the blog in the next week or two… please leave your ideas, feedback, and thoughts in the comment section below.
Tomorrow I’ll be showing an example of a master bedroom that I worked up using my E-Design program. I’m excited to share my design with you!
Stay well XOXO
Melessa
P.S. Something to think about, if you do have to run to the store or pharmacy- ask your elderly neighbors or high risk individuals if they need anything. Call to check in on those in your neighborhood and see what they need.
Jana
March 19, 2020 at 7:30 amI really needed this post! I woke up feeling a little defeated and the positive tone of your blog snapped me out of it. Oh–and the amazing photo of you, Sam and Gabe could being joy to ANYONE! I love it. In terms of helpful posts, I love being home with the kids and it’s been a really sweet time to be together. However, I de-stress by doing projects, deep cleaning, and organizing on my own. How can I do that (without guilt!) when I’m home with them?
MELESSA PAYNTER
March 19, 2020 at 9:40 pmJana, thank you so much for commenting! I appreciate your great feedback and question. First I believe guilt is man-made. We moms are so awesome at being hard on ourselves. When I’m feeling low or not giving myself what I need I end up feeling guilty about impacting others adversely, when I actually haven’t. We tend to over-interpret people’s disapproval when it’s not even there. Long story short, don’t feel bad about giving them a little screen time so you can have time to de-stress the way you need to. Or ask our hubbies to step in for a bit while you step away to de-stress.
Some people might think, get up a little earlier for time for yourself, but maybe you value that sleep. And if you’re like me, I’m pooped by the time the kids go to bed, so I’m not in the mood to clean then. So maybe those wouldn’t work as well.
Bottom line: By taking time out on your own on a regular basis to de-stress you are are teaching your children that time out on your own is healthy, both mentally and physically, and you are giving them permission to do the same.
I hope that helps. 🙂
XO
Jana
March 23, 2020 at 3:50 pmThis is exactly what I needed, Melessa! I know you well enough to trust and respect this advice. And I am going to take it! Love, Jana
Amy Lynn
March 19, 2020 at 8:05 amI think your point about not checking the news too often is really smart. I’m glad we can get so much info and we are so connected but the tidal wave of information is pretty overwhelming to me, so my better days are the ones where I just put down the iPad and phone. Also, we’ve been walking as a family every day to get the dog and kid out, but I’ve also started doing yoga by myself locked in bedroom and that extra movement has helped give me a little equilibrium. Next task: deep cleaning all the surfaces I ignore normally! (And picking out that dang basement bathroom mirror 😉)
Melessa Paynter
March 20, 2020 at 10:32 amThanks for your comment Amy! I think getting out, and making time for us does really help us stay balanced. I’m getting the feeling folks want to maybe do a clean challenge??
Jess
March 19, 2020 at 8:42 amGreat post! One thing about being cooped up in the house, is that the scenery gets old REAL fast. How about some tips on reorganizing furniture in bedrooms, and living spaces to change things up a bit! This could also give you an opportunity to deep clean under and behind some of the bigger furniture that rarely moves. 🙂
Melessa Paynter
March 20, 2020 at 10:35 amThank you Jess! Yes! You read my mind! I think this could be a really fun direction to explore for next week’s post. Thanks so much for commenting. 🙂