If you’re finding it hard to remember what day it is, what time it is, or how to even get started—you’re not alone. Finding a new sense of normal is critical for me right now. Here are four short conversations to help you get out of that zoned-out, spaced-out, fatigued place of mental exhaustion.
Does self-discipline work? Sometimes yes, but lately for me, and especially during the pandemic, it’s not cutting it. Hustle culture, burnout, and heaping more “discipline” on top of me like an overactive bootcamp coach isn’t getting me to do any of the things I want to do. Here’s what’s working for me instead.
One of the questions we’re all asking about—begging for, really—is what the future might look like. Where are we going, and what does the next year look like? I find myself searching for writers who have thought about this—people who have imagined it, who are dreaming about it, or have studied it. It turns out, there are definitely a few people who have written things like this, from winding forays into five-year futures, to epidemiologists and pandemic researchers thinking through so many of the layered consequences of viral diseases. Here are the people talking about what the future looks like, and a few ways to begin thinking about what’s next.
When things get uncertain, we crave stability and certainty—whether that’s something we can do, something we can buy, or something we can depend on. Shopping is a way to pretend to have certainty. I’m really curious: What have you bought recently that’s made your life at home a little easier?
If you’re ever stuck or waffling in a decision, here’s a phrase and a short-hand that I love that helps remind me to take action: “Try it and see.” It’s something I use when I don’t know whether or not to do something. (It doesn’t work in ALL instances, but it certainly helps when I’m stuck.)
There are a few digital tools that help save my digital sanity on a regular basis. Sometimes little apps can be so powerful and so dang useful. These tools, in particular, are all about organization, productivity, and focus. Here are four of my favorites (plus a few bonus ones at the end)!
How do you get out of a rut? When you’re stuck at home, with children or without your brain (or BOTH), how do you get back into a groove and find your way? This episode is for anyone that feels anxious, stressed out, overwhelmed, or unable to complete a to-do list. I’m taking the view that it’s time to learn and adapt to our situation, and figure out the best strategies for us as individuals and how we get through this.
This edition of the Four Things newsletter is devoted to podcasts—specifically, podcasts that are relevant right now and providing excellent storytelling and listening for what’s going on, and how to deal.
Lately the strangest thing has been happening: I’m finding myself drawn towards social media, and wanting to connect more. So every morning, I’ve been sharing a small snippet of my morning routine on my Facebook page, and it’s turned into my virtual coffee shop. Listen in for how it all works, and why it’s helping me so much right now.