The Brightside Challenge
Here we are into our third month of staying home to stay safe. Heck, if I only knew back in March that it was the last time I would be dining in a restaurant, I would have ordered two desserts and another drink!
My family and I have been fortunate health wise and for that I am very thankful. However, I am in Florida and they are in the Chicago area, and I miss them terribly. I have been trying to make myself feel better and decided to focus on the good things that have come out of this pandemic. Which meant, I started looking on the bright side.
Earlier this month, I took a poll amongst my Instagram friends asking them to share their bright side story. Most of the women had responded that this pandemic has slowed their lives down, allowing them to focus on things that their otherwise hectic life would not have time for. As for me, it was much of the same. I welcomed much needed down time.
What My Five Senses Have Allowed Me This Pandemic
The basic senses of the human body are to touch, hear, see, smell, and taste. Slowing down allowed me to perceive these precious gifts more thoroughly. I found that the more I focused on my senses, the more grateful I became.
+Sight: As I took my morning walks, I observed the birds fluttering about. I often sat down to rest on a bench watching images of clouds form into imaginary objects (a game I played as a child).
+ Taste: I have been cooking nicer meals and trying new recipes. And, I’m proud of the fact that I’ve become creative with leftovers.
+Touch: Right now, touching is something we are all fearful of. Let us not give up on the heartwarming sensations of touch. Holding a child close, petting your pets. For more, it is holding onto my husband. All of these bring feelings of compassion and security. We need this now more than ever.
+Smell: I smell savory foods simmering on the stove. I smell the ocean and it’s salty air. The smell of popcorn with melted butter before we sit to watch a movie, and warm chocolate brownies right out of the oven. Having comfort food lingering around your kitchen is soothing.
+Hear: I have a new fondness for country music, which I listen to when I clean my house. I have spoken to friends and family on zoom calls, and facetime Most of all I have appreciated the sounds of silence in the early morning hours. I find the silence extremely tranquil and calming as I sip my morning coffee.
Midlife Bloggers joining me looking at The Bright Side
With the entire world affected by COVID-19 many of us do not know what to expect for the future. Practice embracing each day as if it will be tomorrow’s most cherished memory. Taking time each day to heighten your senses will help to declutter your life and free you from worries.
I have partnered with a few of my fellow mid-life bloggers and together we are challenging each other to look at the bright side by sharing some good news and stories that have resulted from this pandemic. Below is a list of ladies that have joined in on the Bright Side Challenge to share their stories. Do not hesitate to share your story and use this hashtag on your social media posts. #BrightSideChallenge
Gwen Gottlieb
Michele Linton
D’Arcy Vandenberg
Rosemary Davis
Heidi Suydam
Melanie Silkworth
Wow Nancy, I thought I was a positive person, you got me beat. You really have a handle on this thing called real life. You truly do inspire me with every blog. I have used so many of your tips & products (love Isle of Paradise tanner). You have found your calling.
I absolutely love this. You are so right about being grateful for our five senses. I’m so much more in tune with them than I ever was before. It’s the little things, and this has been such a great reminder not to take anything for granted again. Thanks for a lovely read.
Beautiful post Nancy! Love the photos, and the imagery you evoke. Thank you for brightening my day!
Nancy,
You have captured the essence of of finding peace in this pandemic.
I enjoy your posts so much! I think I can actually smell the sauce cooking and feel the gulf breezes blowing.
Rosemary
I love how you take us through the senses to experience all that life still has to offer, even in the midst of all of this. Thank you Nancy!
I loved your post! So many blessings in the storm!
What a great idea! I love the way you figured out a way to share the joy of touching in the midst of social distancing. Hugging our fur family, spouses, and family takes on a whole new meaning.
THANK YOU! IT WAS A FUN COLLABERATION 🙂
Nancy I love they way you shared these senses. Beautifully written.
Thank you for visiting my blog, I’m glad you liked the post!
Happy Sunday,
Nancy
Hi Nancy!
I very much enjoyed this post. I do the same. We often sit outside on our deck and I am aware of the bird calls and watching squirrels jump trees. I love just the awareness of your senses , certainly makes you feel more in the moment as well. I have made some new recipes and we have enjoyed our surroundings hiking. Wonderful to see your hubby in pictures!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Hi Jess,
I believe we have all been taught a valuable lesson these past few months.
Happy Sunday!
Nancy
i feel lucky to say for us it’s been a good thing…both my teenagers were going in so many directions, my husband traveling for work–i thought this was the end of our family unit…so to be able to all be in the same spot for longer than a vacation somewhere for 7 days…
glad to hear it’s awaken your senses!
xo Eva
That is wonderful to hear! I really think that slowing down was something we all needed. This time has really mad many of us appreciate what really matters in life.
Happy Sunday!
Nancy
All of our senses are more open now and I have cooked healthy and more interesting meals as well. We spend the weekend away from people in nature, running trails. Great post to open our minds.
Thank you Heike, I’m finding that the more I stay positive the easier this quarantine is.
Happy Sunday!
Nancy
I love this post, Nancy!
I think we’re so much more aware of how this socially distancing from people has us appreciating our immediate surroundings and our 5 senses.
Slowing down has saved the world environmentally and maybe we should think of the impact we had prior to COVID19 and how this terrible pandemic may have righted a few wrongs.
As much as I have missed human interactions, I actually found more human action every week on Zoom calls and FaceTime.
This is the my new world of connecting face to face without touching or hugging.
Robin
Things have certainly changed, but I’m happy to say that I have adapted and I’m keeping with a positive mindset the best I can. Some days are easier than others but if I try I can always find something to make me smile.
All The Best,
Nancy
I too am looking on the bright side. Staying indoors gives me more time to write! No more excuses!
Hello,
Staying positive is a great way to be happy! Thank you for reaching out to me.
Nancy