living our best life – change

/ simplywendi
woman in green and white stripe shirt covering her face with white mask

Photo by Nandhu Kumar on Pexels.com

 

Change, such a small word with so many connotations, and a word that those of us with chronic illness can relate to on many levels.  Yes, change is a part of life no matter who you are, and lately all of us have been going through at least some minimal changes in our daily lives.

 

My question for you this week is, “What is one way that your life has changed since the pandemic started and has this change had a positive or negative impact on your living situation?”

 

~ Thank you so very much for taking the time to stop by and and respond to this week’s question.  Please know that I am praying for all of you and I wish the very best for each and every one of you.  

Advertisement

145 thoughts on “living our best life – change”

  1. Actually I think it is a measure of how exciting my “normal” life was, that it doesn’t feel that it has really changed at all. The change which is both a blessing and a curse is not having to travel to do my charity work, doing it from home instead. It’s quite nice to just sit on the sofa and do it. By the same token, it is sometimes useful to go out so I can pick up some groceries.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  4. I told a girlfriend the other day that I will never again take gathering family and friends around a dinner table and sharing a meal for granted.

    That is the biggest change — not being able to do that.

    we now have Zoom calls and sometimes share dinner on zoom. We did an Easter dinner where my sister, youngest daughter and I cooked different parts of the dinner, dropped off and picked up various parts at my daughter’s home and then, on Zoom, ate together. Definitely different! 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  5. Hi Wendy !
    A very interesting post. I was looking at the woman’s fingernails in the picture you posted 🤗
    Life has changed little for me, as I am somewhat of a hermit perched in my home high above the Atlantic.
    I still spend a lot of time in prayer, but now it has become more specific, for an end to the pandemic.
    What stresses me is that flowers and plants may not be available for planting this year.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  6. I’m not sure that anything in my life has drastically changed, other than not visiting my daddy, but it has opened my eyes even more to the uncertainty of life. I am doing some serious research and considering going back to school. I’m tired of my job, it no longer provides happiness for me. I need to work, but it doesn’t mean I can’t find something that offers both financial stability and happiness! I am on a mission, determined to find something that doesn’t make me choose one over the other.

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply

  8. Hi Wendy, I just wondered to myself this morning, when are the kids going back to school. As a writer, I need complete focus. Yes, I slipped into selfishness. Thank you for your question. Looking back over the time, I am thankful our boys are friends as well as brothers. They truly have been a joy to listen to. God has brought new people into my world (you) and given me ministry opportunities that would not probably be if we weren’t quarantined. May God bless you tonight, dear Wendy.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  11. I am so thankful that this present crisis hasn’t affected my life negatively. My days are busier as my grandson is at home I help my daughter, his mom in helping him follow the study schedule that his teacher posts for each week. The rest of the time I spend reading, blogging and going for my daily walks. The only thing I cannot do is go to the stores. All the grocery is being delivered to our doorstep and I am saving lot of money which I usually spend on frivolous stuff.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

  12. We have not experienced a lot of change in our small community. Many restaurants’ dining rooms are closed, so we don’t go out to eat. Most people don’t wear masks, but some do. Our stores are open, and people shop. In the stores, people stop and chat with one another.
    I miss hugs terribly, though. And I miss traveling to see my folks very much.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  13. Reading through all the comments it is apparent that the changes have been different for each of us. For me, illness has kept me mostly homebound for years, so no diff. Having my husband home all the time is a big change – kind of nice. I do miss physical time with my grandbabies.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Thank you so very much Eddie for stopping by to share. Yes, shopping with a mask is surreal. I had to do a grocery run today and I was in a mask and gloves and it is something I never thought I would ever have to do………but so blessed that I can physically go to the store as I know there are many who can’t.
      Wishing you a blessed day!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  17. I’m introverted and caregive my mom, we didn’t get out much in last six months, due to our car being vandalized, now I am terrified to go to store in fear of making my elderly mom sick. I clorex all grocery containers, no shopping bags or cardboard enters our house, no one visits, it gets lonely . We have run out of things inside so we are gardening outside. People may believe we are overboard on clorexing grocery containers, yet I can’t take chance, I lost my dad a year ago, and my mom is my best friend, I have to keep her safe. Our parks are closed, children playgrounds are taped off. It honestly feels like we lost our freedom of choice. It is mandated we wear masks, yet so many people walk around without one. News sources are conflicting and confusing, who and what do we believe?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Thank you so very much for stopping by and sharing your experiences. First, let me comment on your deep commitment to the care of your mother……..you are an amazing human being and she is so blessed to have you……..I know you feel the same way about her but really, you are an angel for how well you take care of her.
      I am so sorry that you are lonely, I can’t imagine how you are coping but bless you for putting your mother first.
      Prayers sent up for both of you this afternoon for peace, love, health and that all of your needs will be met.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  18. Hi Wendi! I had to search long and hard to find out how to respond to this blog. Had to click on the spot at the top that told how many comments (lots) you already had… and then at the bottom of those nearly 50 responses (congratulations… that’s unprecedented on my blog), I was able to find the “Leave a Reply” place. You asked, ” “What is one way that your life has changed since the pandemic started and has this change had a positive or negative impact on your living situation?” You have taken the time to respond to each of the bloggers who wrote a reply to you here. That’s terrific! The dialogue you’ve created with your readers is one of the reasons you have such a faithful following, I’m sure. Of course, it’s your great content, too. And your positivity. We all are looking for ways to remain positive in this pandemic world. One of the ways my life has changed the most is that I cannot go out each day to do my volunteer activities at the Senior Center, the nursing home, the hospital, the Food Bank, etc. I am not able to meet with the people I enjoy at church, in my TOPS group, etc. When we are finally able to get together again, will it ever be the same? Probably not. The old normal wasn’t working. We’re in a mess. The “new normal” has to reflect the lessons this virus is trying to teach us: the need for respect of each other, plants, animals, the earth … the need for a mentality of interdependence, not the “nationalism” of “My country is the only best,” but the UNITY of internationalism. We’re in this together… and unified, we will emerge a better world. That’s my prayer!!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • God bless you Jan for taking the time to figure out how to leave a response. I am so very sorry this happened to you. I am not sure why that was an issue but I will look into it. I know there have been a lot of bugs with WP and maybe this is one of them. So thank you again for your persistance! I am humbled.
      What a wonderful human spirit you are to do so much volunteer work…….I am sure all the people you bless are missing you just as much.
      Thank you for sharing your prayer…..you are right…….we must embrace our fellow brothers and sisters across the globe in love and peace. Wishing you health and peace!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  19. The hardest change has been not getting to go to church. I so miss seeing everyone and worshiping together. We are using Zoom which at least allows us to see and hear each other. It isn’t the same, but it is truly better than nothing.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  20. I’ve been feeling icky most of the last couple of months. Because of that, I haven’t gone shopping..which I don’t do anymore. That is about the only change. I stay in my nest and hope when the guys fly in and out, they will be ok. I can’t get to mum’s house in AK, although the state is finally opening up. I plan to leave in a few weeks.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  21. Lovely post Wendi. Our son has been home from college for 3 weeks, probably the most we have seen him since Sept, 2018 when he moved 4 hours from home to start college, so it’s a real blessing to have his presence here with us. Personally, these changes appear minimal because as you know, we have already adjusted our lives to cope with various restriction.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Yes, you are right…..my life has not changed too much and I am enjoying the slower pace of life. I am so very happy that you are now spending more time with your son………..what a huge blessing for all of you! Thank you so very much for sharing……..I hope today is treating you well!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  22. My perception of people has changed. Usually I am the, ‘don’t worry we got this’ kind of person, or the everyone deserves to be treated kindly. To be honest more and more I am feeling like…..”go ahead and do it your way, i wont be here to find out how it turns out” I have seen such coldness, selfishness, etc that I don’t want to connect 😦 Just a few days away from the news and social media will help me feel stronger I’m thinking. but for now “I’m tired”

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Thank you so very much Grace for taking time to stop by and comment, I always appreciate reading your comments! I love how you are the first person to mention that your perceptions of others have changed. It breaks my heart that you have been seeing and experiencing such horrible behavior! You are such a lovely, kind and generous soul and you deserve to be treated the same.
      I do not watch the news and do not do a lot on social media so I am probably missing out on stuff that is going on but I think I may be happier not knowing.
      I am sorry you are tired…….maybe your body is telling you to rest for a few days………like really rest!
      Sending you a gentle hug.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      • I had to stop watching the news. I have unfollowed (not yet unfriended) many people from facebook. I have also stopped tearing my cast apart. The house is cleaner than it has ever been, ( I have even scrubbed Einsteins house ) so now I have been sleeping alot more. One day at a time 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  23. Good question, Wendi. At my age, not much changes here. My daughter is working from home full time now. I’m very comfortable being by myself all day. I miss going to my 2 sewing groups every 2 weeks. We are small groups of 5 or 6 at most but it’s nice to sit and do handwork with some nice conversation. I miss going out to eat in new places with my daughter and going in search of new places around town on the weekends. But those things are not important in the overall picture of life. We have substituted and evening walk after she is done working and chat with the neighbors we pass from 6 ft away. They are so happy to see another human too. 😉 I have nothing but blessings in my life. Even this is a blessing. We read Pam Grout’s book each day out loud on ACIM and then have a nice chat. I hope you are finding ways to see the silver lining too. Always here to chat. M

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • What a beautiful response you have given…….I always appreciate all the blessings that you list in your life and I always enjoy seeing all the projects you have going all the time, they bring a smile to my face getting to share in the beauty. Since I am fortunate that no one I know has become ill, I have found this slower time to be quite enjoyable and will be sad for everything to speed up again but my teens are SO ready for their lives to go back to normal………
      Bless you for your kindness, I so wish you were a neighbor. 🙂 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      • Thank you for your kind words, Wendi. Teens naturally move at warp speed. It takes years to finally get their feet on the ground. I empathize. I had mine and 2 step children from 11 to 13 until they all graduated and moved on under one roof. What one didn’t think of the others did. This great pause is good for us. I don’t know anyone who has the virus either but for others sake and protection, I follow the rules and keep my distance. I’m hoping things do change before more lose their livelihoods. I do like the slower pace though. More introspective. I’ve spent sewing time listening to Dr. Joe Dispenza’s take on this whole thing on You Tube. Interesting.

        Liked by 1 person

      • Yes! the slower pace and spending so much more time together has been a huge blessing. I love that you are using sewing time to listen to Dr. Dispenza………Thank you for your kind words on raising teens 🙂 We have all been maintaining social distancing but my oh my, they are really struggling.

        Liked by 1 person

  24. Hi Wendi, we don’t have a high infection rate in South Africa yet, although the expectation is that it will grow. It is a bit awful as I have Michael to worry about and my mom (aged 81). Both are autoimmune and high risk so I feel I can’t go out anywhere and neither can anyone else in the family. By going out I mean a trip to the grocery store or pharmacy. It is difficult as the home delivery service is shoddy. The underlying worry about either of them, or both of them, getting sick is continuous and inescapable.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  25. Thank you for sharing!.. other than making a few adjustments, my life has changed very little, continue to follow my dreams being led by my heart…“I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship.” ( Louisa May Alcott)… 🙂

    “The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.” William Arthur Ward

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Thank you so very much Dutch for your lovely comments…………I have no idea how you find so many awesome quotes that fit so perfectly to the situation!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 I am happy to read that you are still being awesome you!

      Like

      Reply

  26. Moving in with my family who share a large house (5adults now, two children) I suddenly slept through the night after years of insomnia and broken sleep. This brought normality to my body and I’ve seen a remarked change on my stress levels and well being. I am grateful for that. This time will be brief in our lives and although scary we must learn to be grateful for each day

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • oh my goodness, what an amazing blessing to have slept through the night, I am sooo happy 🙂 for you!!! I hope this continues for you……gratitude is such a beautiful emotion…….thank you so very much for stopping by and commenting, I appreciate your time! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  27. I would be lying, if I said that the changes hasn’t affected my heart both negative, and positive. God is forever in the midst of it all, and I don’t have ANY fear, that He will work all things for our good. That said, I’m really frustrated; that this man made pandemic has done this, devastated so many lives. Okay, to your question. Being the the delivery business, I’m able to work (positive). On the other side, my wife’s doctor has told her, NOT to leave the house, because she’s a high high risk to this (NEGATIVE). 😔 But, the positive to it. She had to get a medical test this past Saturday, and we were able to take the long overdue opportunity, to one of our two driver to the lake and back. Blessings!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  29. There have been powerful lessons hidden behind silver linings for me, Surrender, Faith, Flow Creativity, Manifestation, Community, Unity, Mother Earth, are all themes that are prevalent teachers for me during this Pandemic.🌎💚🙏

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  30. If I were to be honest with you Wendi, nothing much for us has changed… Apart from missing our family and our granddaughter, whom I miss terribly.. But we have kept in touch via video on phones etc…
    My hubby and I still go to our allotment plot early in the mornings and keep our shopping trips to the minimal…. I am now missing my acupuncture treatments, but I am coping….
    I am hoping you are coping Okay my friend… You especially have to be extra careful I am sure..
    I expect your children have kept you busy busy with being at home, though if they are like my granddaughter after their school work they are soon getting bored…

    Much love your way dear Wendi…. You have been in my heart even though I have not been in WordPress as often…
    Love and Hugs your way ❤
    Sue ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  31. Hello Wendi, not much has changed for me. I am an essential worker. I tend to like the slow pace. I am remaining watchful of my time, thoughts and some people reactions. Take care, thanks for presenting a question that allows room for expressing.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • thank you so very much for taking time to stop by and comment, I appreciate it! 🙂 Bless you for taking the time to check on people, I am sure they appreciate your caring spirit more than you will ever know. Please be safe and stay well! 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  33. positive part is, my travel has stopped and I am spending more time with my family. negative, is the uncertainty that is looming on all of us. we are still fortunate. my heart goes out to the one who are struggling to get food on table.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  34. At first my daily routine didn’t change much, since I work from home. Then it changed more when my husband (who is over 65) was told not to leave the house. So, I had to do all the shopping, gas station visits, etc. wash all the packages, bottles, cans, and all that came into the house and such. Then, I experienced the various stages of grief. Currently, I am simply pissed off. I know this too shall pass though. ❤️🦋🌀😉😘

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Please forgive me for not responding much, much sooner……..your comments were lost in space. I am so very sorry that all of the outside chores have been put on you. I know what it is like to get out and shop and then bring everything home, only to have to clean it all and put it away. It is a lot of work and quite exhausting. I completely understand the whole pissed off feeling! I hope today finds you and your husband well. Thank you so very much for stopping by and commenting, I really appreciate your visit.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  35. Adding to such a wonderful set of replies seems redundant but for me this time in a very restricted nursing home setting has deepened my meditation/ community participation. I zoom sitting with a group of Buddhists in town I could never physically attend before, and with my regular Quaker community , and now am starting a zoom class on Advaita Vendanta meditation studying sections of the Bhagavad Gita. It is a richness of teaching and sitting that I so appreciate as an All Faith minister, and never anticipated. My outer life has changed minimally, but missing physical contact with my daughter’s family and five month old grandson is the hardest. Protecting him from screen time has turned into babbling with grandma on FaceTime every day. Who knew? and how lucky it is to have that.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Oh Judi, I LOVE that you are attending so many awesome zoom groups!!! and I hope you get to have physical contact with you daughter and grandson soon! thank you so very much for sharing. 🙂

      Like

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:

Gravatar
WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Twitter picture

You are commenting using your Twitter account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Cancel

Connecting to %s