3 minute read
Have you considered: What stories we will tell - 9 ideas
It’s been a crazy time to say the least. It’s not been the norm. Things have been different. What will we remember from all of this?
For those who lived through the Great Depression in the 30s, they had stories to share. When 9/11 happened, everyone can tell you where they were that day. This pandemic is a little bit of a different beast, but in the years to come we’ll have something to say about our experience too. What will that be?
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For most of us who aren’t entrenched in the sickness aspect, our stories will be different. We may remember that we depleted the toilet paper supply from store shelves, started “getting together” online, that we couldn’t go to church, and that we had to stay home - quarantined.
“How did you spend your time?” our grandkids will ask. Here are a few ideas for what we might say... 9 ideas
1. That’s when...
We don’t want to brag about how we binge-watched Netflix. Get off the beaten path, walk your dog (or your honey), or set a goal on your treadmill.
How to own it: Challenge yourself to a goal: 15K steps per day, to walk through one new park each week, or do a lap around your block each day.
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2. That’s when...
People have talked about putting on the “Covid 15” as we’re squirreled away, doing nothing but eating. Take the opportunity to eat well and change your outcome. How to own it: A Mediterranean Diet continues to show off as one that truly does a body good.
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3. That’s when...
You probably have the tools, the train set, the paints, or the crochet pattern. Crack ‘em out and get crackin.’ How to own it: If crafting or carpentry aren’t speaking to you, channel your favorite celebrity chef or write some music. Do you.
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4. That’s when...
Since we truly are all in this together, why not reach out to family you rarely talk to? Check in and feel connected.
How to own it: Call a relative in another country. Reconnect with distant family and friends. Set up a group “call” on Zoom and have a virtual family reunion.
5. That’s when...
We all have that thing we’ve wanted to learn or books we planned to read. Start learning it. Start reading them. How to own it: Find a topic that interests you and search online for resources, podcasts, books, and videos.
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6. That’s when...
We save a lot of stuff over the years. “memorabilia” we call it. But when do we look through all that stuff we have boxed away? Now’s the time. How to own it: Grab a box and enjoy going down memory lane - with a purpose. After you take it in, pitch what isn’t impactful. If you’re “saving it for the kids,” nows the time to check with them and see if they’ll really want it.
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7. That’s when...
We all want those businesses in our community to be there for the long haul. Do what you can do. How to own it: Order some takeout, place an order online and have it shipped.
8. That’s when...
Most of us have boxes of photos and just shy of a billion digital photos that need sorted. Let’s deal with that mess.
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How to own it: Focus on one year or one event. Determine your end result: An album, scrapbook, or digital layout that can be printed are wins. Or, just eliminating the embarrassing photos even feels liberating.
9. That’s when...
When we take our eyes off ourselves and look out into the world around us, we see needs everywhere. We all feel better when we do something outside of ourselves, and we feel empowered when we take action.
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How to own it: Be a better pet parent, do something for those closest to you, and find one tangible way to serve someone in the world this week - find ways to do that even if you can’t be physically present.
