As of this writing (April 28, 2020), we (most of the US and many around the world) are stuck inside our homes due to the coronavirus. Almost everything is closed: restaurants, cinemas and even our churches.
When you turn on the news and find the anchors televising their segments from their homes, you can be sure we’re seriously trapped inside.
While you are confined to your home, you have a choice. You may lament your circumstances and constantly complain.
Or you can choose to use your time for something valuable. In which case, you choose to do something that can make a difference even 100 years from now. You can do something today that could help your great-great-grandchild.
Wouldn’t you like to do something different today? You may be wondering, “What can I do inside my house?”
To get started, look at the following activities. Does anyone motivate you?
1. Write a touching note to your son or daughter
Perhaps you exchanged some harsh words during a disagreement. A small note with heartfelt words of “I love you” can help ease your tense situation. Say a sentence as you write it. Look what happens.
2. Write a story for your grandchildren or future grandchildren
Do you have an active imagination? Write one of your stories and earn some granny points. Name your characters after your grandchildren. If there is a four-legged creature in your story, give it the same name as your grandchildren’s pet. They will love it and they will love you even more.
3. Create a “Thinking of You” card.
Do you know someone who feels depressed? Take a few moments to write him a note. You might want it to be a simple note to an elderly neighbor. You could say something like, “I miss your smile” or “I miss watching you walk your cute dog.”
4. Write down a favorite recipe for your son/daughter
My mom passed away a little over two months ago. Over the past few weeks, our family has enjoyed talking and texting and creating some of Mom’s special “dishes.” Her children or grandchildren may one day want her special recipes.
Tip: You probably already have some of your recipes on your computer and just clicked the print button. Do that. But also give them one in your own handwriting. After someone you love passes away, you appreciate something written in their handwriting.
I would like to suggest that you ask someone to take a photo of you holding the cake or special casserole. Add that to your recipe. Then share it all with your select loved ones.
5. Pray for your loved ones
Write a prayer for each of your children and grandchildren. That is the best and most powerful thing you can do for them. Your downtime will become your lift time.
So there you have it. It’s your choice. You can choose to sit on the couch with the remote control firmly in your hand, or you can choose to do something worthwhile for others.
Today, turn your “shelter-in-place” time into a priceless experience for yourself and perhaps a treasured memory for some of your loved ones.
How about an activity today? After all, when will you have more time?