I’ve been at home with my husband and four children for 13 days. Our house is less than 2000 sq feet. And I must admit. It was a rough transition. We all struggled with the change of pace, the uncertainty, the stress, the unknown, the closeness…

But I’m writing this because this week has been different.

I’ve changed my attitude; I’ve RELAXED. I’m determined to find JOY in this JOURNEY. I’m trying not to stress about all the things I can’t control–which was nearly everything on my worry list last week. My children have calmed down too, picking up long discarded toys and playing simple games together. No doubt I will be celebrating with everyone else when our schedules pick back up. I’m not much of a homeschooler, but I think it will be harder than we expect to crank back up to full speed. I will miss so many beautiful things from this experience.

I’ll miss waking up when I want to wake up, eating when I’m hungry. I’ll miss the extra texts and phone calls from my friends and family. My mom has read a book over video chat to her grandchildren every day. My children are excited about art projects and baking. That’s a first. I’ll miss the comfort of knowing my children are home, tucked safely under my wing all the time. I haven’t set an alarm in 13 days or worn heels or curled my hair.

I don’t know why it took a global pandemic for me to slow down and savor my blessings, but I don’t intend to let this feeling go…