I can't say I'm enjoying [being confined to home] but I'm adapting. I’m considering this a practice run to retirement, too.

Today is April 15 and we have been in (what is called in Michigan) Stay Safe, Stay Home mode due to COVID-19 for about a month. What a month it has been. I work in the travel industry and COVID-19 has turned the entire industry upside down. I won’t elaborate except to say it has been my most stressful and miserable month of my entire career.  That’s a story for another day.

I’ve lived through 9/11, H1N1, bird flu … the list goes on. I know the entire world will overcome this but I’m anxious to get back to normal. However, “normal” may never return. Sometimes these major events cause us to wake up and see things differently. And that’s not a bad thing.

Being home this month I have discovered:

• I’m outdoors more than ever and love it. While I have always enjoyed being outdoors, it is during times of stress and anxiety that I find nature calming and healing. It’s the only thing right now, too, that gets me out of the house.
• I’m finding ways to fill my day.  Aside from working from home Monday-Friday, I have found other things to do like cooking, working on my blog, reorganizing a closet or two, reading.
• I’m exercising more. With more time, I find that I have lengthened my workouts and there are plenty of free workouts online, too. The variety has been great.
• I’m cooking more.  Being home means I have more time to cook. And, I enjoy it. I didn't say that while I was working at my office but the extra time means more home cooked meals. 
• I’m loving Zoom, FaceTime:  I love technology and these are no exception. Being able to see my family and friends is a huge relief during all this.

Being a creature of habit and routine, I have been surprised how I personally have been able to adapt being at home. I can't say I'm enjoying this but I'm adapting. I’m considering this a practice run to retirement, too.

Bottom line: In all the stress I’ve experienced this month, I also have this inner state of calm. I’m not running around like a crazy woman doing whatever I think “needs” to get done in a week. My calendar is clear, I'm not commuting and I have more time to do things that bring me joy or a sense of accomplishment at home. If this is what retirement looks like, I think I'm going to enjoy it!