It is such a confusing time. So confusing that I haven't even known what to write about anymore. Honestly, everything that seems to pop into my head I second guess. Everything feels too frivolous, or too divisive to even talk about (because let's face it, everyone has a strong opinion about everything right now and I can't stand getting in another verbal debate with anyone--I'm worn out.) Here's my problem though. I miss talking about things other than covid, other than politics and policy. I miss people being able to have an opinion, or say a thought (even the poorly thought out ones), without fear of being shamed or ridiculed. I miss worrying about simple unimportant stuff, that I know is silly but I let myself indulge in anyway (like finding the perfect pair of slouchy high rise jeans, or the best neck cream.). First world problems--yes, I know.
I'm on the app Next Door, to keep abreast of what's going on in the neighborhood. I had to take myself off because there was so much arguing, nasty comments and accusation. I can only imagine what is going on in social media ( thankfully I totally ignore it all.)
I can honestly say that I've gotten to the point where I'm just totally overloaded with information. There's just too much to process between the pandemic, the election, the protests, the frantic media inundation every minute. So much information coming in, and so many opinions. It's a lot of noise. It's not that it's not important noise, but it's coming at you on so many levels now and that's so different than any other time in history. It's crushing.
I don't want to totally bury my head in the sand, but maybe just a little. So I'm focusing instead on nesting, which seems both strange and strangely comforting. It's pre-fall right now, but doesn't feel like it. The quarantine and pandemic has sort of messed up the early bird season prep that we've all gotten so use to. Partially because our kids aren't all "going back to school" and the fall schedule looks so different than normal, and partly because the entire world is moving slow on every level. Our Fall shipments were all pushed later and where normally we'd be getting in sweaters weeks ago, we're not yet and it feels strange and confusing--like the timeline is wonky.
School, however it is going to look, is in fact starting in less than two weeks. So I decided to go ahead and do my normal pre-fall nesting activities. My pantry looks amazing, I could do a whole essay right now on the process and how glorious it turned out. My office is getting there. The kids don't really "need" school clothes, but we're getting a few things here and there to keep some sense of normal. It feels good, familiar and yes, there are more important things to worry about probably, but at the same time, not.
I'm just reminding myself to be kind and patient (it's my daily mantra.) To myself and to other people. I'm trying not to judge anyone because we're all confused, tired, frustrated and struggling to understand all the layers. I also think it's ok to give yourself permission to focus on simple little things that make you happy. To indulge in self care and self love. To take a break from the noise when you need it. It's ok to love your new keratin treatment (yes, it's awesome), or be excited to wear a pretty new shirt. It doesn't mean you are callous or frivolous.
We've got some important things to accomplish as a society, and lots of opinions as to how to get that done, but I have to believe that one of the simplest is just kindness starting with ourselves, and then of course, others. Then listening. Then voting. We all need to balance, so we don't burn out and I know I can't be the only one struggling with that at this point in time.
So on the list of things that are not terribly important, but a nice little happy distraction, are the new Fabina sweatshirts. I'm loving the playful tie-dye, and loungy French Terry. It's fun, and a nice little treat. The company is in LA, and it's a small, women owned affair, where they focus on 100% sustainability in all their fabrics. Kind of dig it and it's filed under "things to enjoy right now."
Hope everyone is hanging in there, being kind to themselves, and finding moments of quiet and peace while staying healthy and happy.
Signed, ME {lv}
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