Wellbeing Wednesday! How well is your being?

Ello ello! Grace here.

Today is ‘Wellbeing Wednesday’… How are we all feeling?

I’m having a good week! Last week I found myself very homesick. Not that I’m feeling less homesick this week, or in the weeks before, I’m just managing it better. Does that make sense? I’m just a bit more in control of my energy and thoughts.

I’m sure you can absolutely 1000% relate. Each and every one of us has at least one person we miss… or loads of people. Last week I was especially (and uncontrollably) focused on my Mum and family in England.

All of a sudden they seemed so much further away from NY than before (not that California isn’t far away… but I could drive there if I needed to).

Who knows why last week was harder than other weeks. Maybe because it was Grandads birthday, maybe because the longer this goes on the further away getting on an airplane seems to be a realistic option. Or maybe it was just hormones. Those blasted things!

Sorry TMI but it made me laugh.

I miss these people all of the time! But for whatever reason, last week I could hardly watch my Mums doodle videos without bursting into tears.

I’m not telling you this so that you feel sorry for me. PLEASE don’t! That’s not my objective at all. I’m more than fine! This was last week! I’m upbeat and more hopeful this week! I’m simply sharing it with you so that you know that you’re not alone if you have the occasional (or week-long) wobbly.

There’s really very little difference between someone being thousands of miles away in quarantine, and people being in quarantine down the street from each other! We’re all missing our people.

I think it’s normal. Very normal! And a sure fire way of knowing that you’re not a sociopath, ha!

I know you’re missing your children, and your grandchildren. And your parents. And your friends. And some days and weeks that is going to feel like the hardest thing in the world. And other days and weeks you’ll manage it, fake it to make it, OR turn your mental or emotional energy towards something else.

This week I’ve already sorted out my UK passport renewal application! It expires in August. And I’m NOT FOR A SECOND going to find myself without a British passport in this situation!

So… I successfully redirected my energy towards what IS in my control; something productive and positive. And helps me move towards what I want.

(Side note: Any of you have those things that need renewing or sorting out? Now is the time!)

I had to go to a post office to mail the application… no problem. Gloves on, mask on. Bit windy. I LOVED the walk and being outside in the sun, just for a little, and for a very essential purpose (I’m still very much in quarantine otherwise).

Glad I grabbed some sunglasses!

Something I took for granted before, that I never will again… is being able to smile at people!! Something seemingly so small really was a huge part of my social outdoorsy-ness. It was something I did as a default; constantly, indiscriminately, and naturally. And suddenly I found myself trying to communicate friendliness via just my eyes… and that is HARD.

Without looking mental.

Cover the bottom half of Adele’s face for full effect – hahaha!

So I popped some sunglasses on. I’m grinning as I write this. I cannot wait to share a smile with a stranger on the street. And I will feel extra grateful to be able to do so.

Who do you miss? What do you miss? I would really love to hear. Feelings are meant to be felt, and sometimes sharing them releases you from being held hostage by them.

Stay safe! Stay well.

See you on Friday for the newest Groovi SHAC challenge, and a selection of beautiful your art from last weeks download!

Lotsa Love, Grace xoxo

Clarity โ€“ The Home of Art, Craft and Well-being.

14 thoughts on “Wellbeing Wednesday! How well is your being?

  • 13th May 2020 at 11:18 am
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    What do I miss? Please don’t laugh at my list !!!!

    Getting my feet treated every 6 weeks ( I’ve ripped a toenail off by accident)
    Having my home hairdresser come weekly ( it is getting very shaggy )
    Having the oven clean man come quarterly ( hubby often cooks and I hate oven cleaning !!! )
    Being able to go for a long drive in the country or to the Norfolk coast ( I crave a fresh Cromer crab)

    Otherwise life is normal, we are both positive people, like each others company, have our hobbies and crafting, hubby frequently gives me the giggles (as does your mum ), we’ve de-cluttered and most importantly, we are still both as well as we were before the lockdown.

    Stay positive and keep smiling ๐Ÿ˜Š it really does help. xx

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  • 13th May 2020 at 12:43 pm
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    It was good chatting to you the other day about mutual acquaintences, and I guess that is what I miss, just popping in on a friend for a chat and coffee, or meeting friends while out and about and catching up on what’s going in each others lives. I miss running my art group, miss going to other art groups. I think this is all making us a tiny bit insular, and I sincerely hope that when we can, and it’s safe and sensible we can all be a bit more ‘there for each other’ – especially for those family members who need us. Your blog has me giggling today! Stay safe and happy.

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  • 13th May 2020 at 12:54 pm
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    What do I miss…. well…

    Top of my list is my family.
    Friends. Ladies that lunch ๐Ÿ™‚
    Shopping, even if it’s only window shopping.
    My art and hobby groups.

    I could go on and on. You are so right Grace when you say sometimes we all get a little overwhelmed with it all, I was supposed to move house at the end of March and even though the housing market has now begun to open up again, sadly not for me as I am identified as extremely vulnerable so I’ll have to wait a bit longer.
    I hope your mum and you know how much you help us day to day and who knew I could doodle?
    forever grateful to you
    Jenny xx

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  • 13th May 2020 at 2:12 pm
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    I moved just at lockdown, so none of the repairs or deliveries were possible. I miss being able to get straight and unpack, so I can welcome people here as I planned. Luckily, the garden was left a tip, so I have cleared, weeded and replanted it and loved all the donation only theatre online. The garden would have waited until next year, if things had gone to plan, so I guess the neighbours are happier and it is a massive job nearly ticked off. Three lorry loads gone, plus bins. My underwear is still somewhere in the boxes though…Boy, does that keep my laundry up to date!!

    You must wear glasses outside, Grace. The virus can enter through your eyes just as easily as elsewhere. A virus is just a protein molecule coated in fat – it starts to replicate wherever it can, like nice damp eyes. You can’t kill it by dissolving the fat or breaking it up so easily in your eyes, so keep them covered.

    So glad your passport is on the way. It means we will see you asap! Try to focus on your mum being safe and keeping everyone else safe with doodling, including you. She is a hero rescuing hundreds of people. You are doing the same. Thank you.

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  • 13th May 2020 at 2:22 pm
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    I think we all know exactly how you feel Grace. It is so hard not to be able to see and hug family in person. Talking to them on Skype is great but nowhere near as good. At least I am in the same country as my children. It must be really hard for you.
    Apart from family I miss being able meet friends for a coffee and spend 2 or 3 hours talking about nothing in particular.

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  • 13th May 2020 at 3:32 pm
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    My children and grandchildren obviously. It is my son’s birthday today and would love to be able to celebrate together. Funnily enough I woke at 3.17 this morning (all of a sudden) and thought what on earth has woken me? I think it must have been my husband, from beyond the grave, reminding me that 41 years ago at 3.17 our son came into the world! It was quite an experience at the time, as we only just made it to the hospital by the skin of our teeth before he was born, as I didn’t realise I was in labour! (I am afraid in the early hours of this morning, I told him to “do one” in no uncertain terms, as I was quite aware of what day it was!) rofl!

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  • 13th May 2020 at 3:53 pm
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    Iโ€™ve been having wobbles the last 3 days (and nights), think itโ€™s all the new guidelines, doโ€™s/donโ€™ts getting to me so attacking housework today to work it out of myself.
    Been loving doodling and the groovi shac downloads what a lifesaver but a little behind as I have to work some days from home too. I got my delivery from Clarity on Monday looking forward to playing with that too ๐Ÿ˜ƒ. Your mums been Ab Fab I think we should put her forward for a medal when all this is over ๐Ÿ… as our key worker. Stay safe x

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  • 13th May 2020 at 5:20 pm
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    It was my Dad’s birthday just before your Grandads Grace. Adam’s birthday (#2 son) is on the 27th and I miss not being able to see them and give them a hug to celebrate. In school tomorrow for the last time before the Y6 restart after half term. We will be going in one week and working from home the next. Glad you are sorting your new passport. Stay safe.

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  • 13th May 2020 at 5:44 pm
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    Hi there, Grace. I must be one of those strange people who is enjoying the new regime and the break with the traditions. The only things I am missing are the Clarity events that I had booked for this year but that can’t be helped. I don’t have family to miss but am very aware of the struggles faced by those who do. I have ample time and great weather to enjoy my garden. I have had a gardener for a the last three years so I feel as if I am now reclaiming it as mine! I have lots growing in the greenhouses and in the raised beds. I have lots of tubs planted up and although I have spent quite a lot on plants, I won’t be going on holiday any time soon so at least I will be surrounded by beautiful colour all summer. That can’t be bad! I am also loving learning to draw with your mum. What a priceless gift she has given us. Life is just good. I am also very fortunate, and I know it, that I live in a rural community on the west coast and so although the virus is around, we are definitely less at risk than those in the towns and cities. We are also surrounded by beautiful countryside and are allowed out for walks so can enjoy it. That said, I tend to go into my garden instead which is quite big!! Lots to keep me occupied. I am also losing weight!! I am glad of the break from what was sucking the life out of me and feel so much more energised. You take care of yourselves in the States and think how amazing your reunion will be when you do all finally get together. Hxx

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  • 13th May 2020 at 7:54 pm
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    What do I miss, like you mainly my family, can’t wait to hug and kiss our 4 grandchildren plus of course our Daughter and our Son. We don’t see them every day or week or for our Daughter even every month as they live a ways away but this is hard knowing that you can’t. I miss seeing friends for an evening out and a meal. Seems as though I am forever cooking these days. I miss having a coffee and chat with my friends on several afternoons, but I thank God I have my hobby of craft and my hubby has his flight sim, we both are ok with our own company doing our hobbies and of course your lovely Mum who keeps us crafting has been a godsend to all us crafters. We will miss the open days too this year. I do get the blues come over me and can get quite tearful but I do my best to think positively and try to shake it off but its not always possible is it? My hubby is a clown at times and cheers me up if he knows I’m down so have lots to be thankful for. We will get through this Grace. You and your partner keep safe and stay safe and craft. Love Pam xxx

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  • 13th May 2020 at 8:23 pm
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    You’re so right Grace – its the family contact we’re all missing. I’m in a very fortunate position in some ways, as I’m still going to work every day and so get out of the house and see colleagues. Its been hard not seeing my sister & nieces, though – grateful for video calls but it’s just not the same. Have to say that crafting has been a key escape for me in my days off, and in a funny way I’ve been grateful that there’s so much less going on when I’m not at work, so I can get some quiet space and time to myself. I hope you and Mark stay safe & well over in New York. As your mum doodled with us – ‘this too shall pass’

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  • 14th May 2020 at 12:11 am
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    Hi Grace, I don’t know about wobbly days, mine seem to be more like tornadoes…!!!
    I miss EVERYTHING, except my wee cat, she’s still the same. And I had so little to start with. I miss being able to order my messages and not fear/get upset at the basic essentials I don’t get. I miss deliveries coming in without the fear they could kill me, and all the time consuming and energy sapping routines I have to go through for each thing now. I miss getting up in the morning without fearing is this the day I have symptoms. I miss the time and energy that is now spent excessively cleaning and hand washing. I miss the days I was sometimes able to feel calm. I miss looking out my windows and seeing a garden rather than the wild jungle that is currently growing. I miss seeing an actual human being face to face, not through the glass, or shouting thanks to the back of a delivery guy who has left my package on the doorstep. I didn’t get out much before, but I’m missing the fresh air and space. I miss the looking forward to my next sport event, my intended trip to the garden centre this year, my intended trip back to spend time with you mum in October. I miss human contact, human talk, even though I didn’t have much before. I miss having hands that are not all sore and swollen and itchy with chilblains, and all dry and cracking, from the endless handwashing. I miss just being able to go about in here without constantly having to think, fear – is it safe to touch, should I wash my hands again… I miss just grabbing something to eat, or touching my face without all the handwashing before.

    I’m glad you’re coping better this week. It’s because you don’t have the choice. When you know you can’t see someone, do something, it’s human nature to want it and grieve for it, it’s the feelings of insecurity, empty, lonely, sad, not knowing if/when it will ever be there as an option again. You don’t feel whole, you feel something is missing. Whereas when you know you could, you feel content in that knowledge and feeling so you feel fine to be going on with life not seeing that person or doing the thing. That’s my thinking on it anyway.

    I hope it’s not too long until you can have a big family get together xx
    P.s. your sun glasses are a good safety addition, even on non sunny days

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  • 17th May 2020 at 7:17 pm
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    Just catching up on the week’s posts – have been keeping computer use to a minimum cos of painful hands and I don’t have a mobile phone. Strangely, I don’t miss anyone, as those who lived close to me have now gone, and my dearest friend next door is isolating with me -she is 90 next month and we are planning an ‘at home’ celebration. My family, such as it is, is mostly in Australia and I haven’t seen them for 40+ years, so now is no different. We both enjoy your mum’s daily doodles -have done them from day 1, though i often have to stop and catch up the next day (we do them in the evening).
    I miss being able to see my eye specialist as my eyes are getting worse, my hairdresser as my fringe is down to my nose -I almost have a moustache! And I miss the dentist as I have a toothache!! I hope you get to see your family sooner than you think -and isn’t it wonderful that these days there are ways to ‘see’ them every day if you want. Not the same as a real hug, but better than a crackly phone call!!

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  • 20th May 2020 at 1:03 pm
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    Bit late to the party, have had a bit of a temper tantrum this week trying to find my dorso oil and blending pen. Took me 3 days, I kid you not, then at about midnight last night I announced to my husband who was actually asleep but I assumed would want to share my joy, I found them! Of course they were in one of the first places I looked, but obviously didn’t look as well as I thought I had, how annoying but as my joy was immense, I was able to ignore the annoyance factor. What do I miss most, has to be my Mum and Dad, would love to see them and give them a big hug and the longer this goes on the worse that seems to be. We were all due to go on holiday in June to France in celebration of Dad’s 80th birthday in July, the closer we get to it the more my Dad is getting into one of his black moods which means he is not looking to try again next year at the minute as he does not know if he will be well enough then. I know it is just lockdown getting to him and as he is shielding it is worse for them but just wish I could go and see them, so yes that is what I miss most at the moment. Still, hey ho they are well and generally coping, their neighbours have been brilliant and the sun is shining, so yes definitely this too shall pass and yes I will be able to see them soon. So coping better today than the weekend and tomorrow will definitely be better still and that is good enough for me.

    Keep well and safe

    Karen

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