#quarantineandchill

“And As The World Was Changing…”

/ Anne Dennish / Leave a comment

“And as the world was changing, so were the people in it.”  AD

It’s been about two months now of social distancing and quarantine and I’ve noticed a lot of positive changes happening.

I’ve noticed that the wildlife seems to have sprung back to life. Here at the Jersey Shore a herd of deer are romping and playing on the beach and roaming the streets in town. I’ve seen and heard more types of birds than normal and the colors of the leaves, grass, and flowers seem so much more vibrant. The sun even feels warmer and seems to shine even brighter than it used to. Even blue skies seem to be a clearer and stronger shade of blue.

And I’ve noticed the people changing along with the world. Strangers take the time to wave, smile and ask how you’re doing. Neighbors speak more often all the while social distancing with one another. People are putting the effort into finding other ways to celebrate birthdays and graduations by driving someone’s home in their decorated cars and beeping their horns. Restaurants that offer curbside pick-up and delivery do so with a smile. And for all of us wearing masks and gloves when needed, we’re doing it to protect ourselves, our families and everyone else’s. It seems that so many people have again started to look out for each other by calling more often or scheduling video chats together. 

People are learning to embrace their time at home. They’re cleaning and purging their homes, they’re spending more time cooking and having dinner with their family, and some are even spending more time outdoors planting a garden or simply enjoying the sunshine and blue skies. They’re walking or running more, biking more, and they’re doing activities that help them stay calm and less anxious, such as meditation or yoga. 

Despite what’s going on in the world, I’ve seen some truly beautiful changes in both our environment and in the people. It’s as if both are in a “healing process” of becoming a kinder and gentler world.

And isn’t that a wonderful thing?

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

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“These Three Things”

/ Anne Dennish / 3 Comments

It was during this last month of quarantine that I learned that three important components are absolutely necessary to survive being “SAFE at home.” They are patience, tolerance and forgiveness, and most often, in that order. 

You need to have patience with the people you live with, the people you deal with and with yourself. Every one of us will have a day of feeling stressed and anxious, and every one of us will take that out on someone else who had nothing to do with it. Therein lies the patience. Be patient in knowing that all of us are experiencing this in different ways and act out in different ways. Be patient with others and be patient with yourself while you’re trying to be patient with them!

You need to try to have some amount of tolerance of the behavior of others in order to have the patience you need to tolerate their moments of lashing out. That’s not to say that you have to be a doormat and the recipient of someone else’s anxiety or stress. It just means that on those occasions (and I hope they are few!) that someone takes out their mood on you, be tolerant and be patient with them.

And most importantly, you need to practice forgiveness. You need to forgive the people that you had to be patient and tolerant with, and you need to forgive yourself for the days that you couldn’t be.

These are difficult times we’re living in and I truly believe that patience, tolerance and forgiveness are a must. Under normal circumstances we may not have to practice tolerance of “not so good” behavior as much, but right now we do, as long as it’s not on a daily basis and not bordering on abusive. 

I know that we’re all trying to get through this as best we can and some days are just too much to handle, but we need to remember to not only be patient, tolerant and forgiving of others, but of ourselves as well. 

If you can practice these three things, toss in a large dose of kindness for others and yourself as well, you will find “safety AND serenity” at home. 

Hang in there…you’re doing just fine!

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

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“Stay Home Alone Together”

/ Anne Dennish / Leave a comment

The greatest gift we can give each other right now is to stay home and live by the rules of social distancing. It’s almost ironic that something like “staying at home” can save our lives and the lives of others, yet it’s our reality right now.

I don’t want it to be a reality forever and I’m sure you don’t either. We’re living a “new normal” and now, more than ever, we need to support one another and flatten this curve TOGETHER!

I’m staying home for my family and yours.

Are you staying home for mine?

It’s time to make a difference in this world and we can make that difference TOGETHER!

Please stay home for the world and everyone in it.

I am and I hope you are, too.

It’s a good thing.

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

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“When Tensions Run High”

/ Anne Dennish / Leave a comment

When one person lives alone during a quarantine, they can get lonely.

When one person lives with a few other people during a quarantine, they can get frustrated.

We’re living in uncertain times right now and I know that social distancing and staying at home can get to some people because I know it gets to me every now and again, especially living with three other people.

Patience is definitely a virtue and one that is tested, sometimes on a daily basis, when you’re living with other people, but that doesn’t mean that it will turn into a battle…unless you let it.

I’m used to being alone most of the day so having three other people in the house with me 24/7 has definitely disrupted my routine and there are moments I want the television turned off and the computers turned down. My patience is tested when one has a problem with another, or one stays up all night when the rest are trying to sleep, or when one always has the volume on high while others are reading or resting.

So, what do I do?

I remind myself that this is a gift. It’s a gift of “time” to spend with the ones I love, time to relax with them, laugh with them, and talk with them. I remind myself that I’m blessed to be here with them and am reminded to reach out to friends and family that are home alone.

I remind myself that “flaws are flavorful” and that none of us are perfect. 

I remind myself that lack of sleep will test even the most patient person and that having a roof over my head, food on the table and a bed to sleep in each night will definitely put things into perspective.

And I remind myself that when tensions are running high and patience wears thin, I can go outside alone to sit under the stars or in the warmth of the sun. I can find a quiet spot in my home to sit by myself and find my balance again or I can put on my headphones and listen to music.

I remind myself that what is going on outside of my front door and in this world right now is far more important than the tensions that my flare up now and again or the patience that wears thin. We can change those things.

And the only way we’re going to change the outcome of this virus is by staying home.

I know it’s hard sometimes but it’s important to remind yourself that “you’re not stuck at home, you’re safe at home.”

And if you’re lucky, you’re safe at home with the people you love.

Stay calm. Stay safe. Stay home.

Love the ones you’re with and reach out to the ones that are alone.

It’s a good thing.

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

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“Living Life In Limbo”

/ Anne Dennish / Leave a comment

I don’t know about you but I feel as though my life is in limbo. The world has changed overnight and it’s filled with uncertainty. Our lives seem to be anything but normal, but we can try and decide what our new normal life is for right now…we don’t have to stay “living in limbo.”

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~

“Anxiety and COVID-19”

/ Anne Dennish / Leave a comment

We’re all experiencing some amount of anxiety throughout this terrible virus. I’m going through it, too, and wanted you to know that you’re not alone.

Take a listen.

Wishing you love and light,

~Anne Dennish~