I’m not doing all the things.
I’m not doing a self-guided yoga practice. I’m not getting in 10,000 steps a day. I’m not reading more. I’m not taking advantage of Zoom workouts and meet-ups. I’m not maximizing my time.
That’s right – I’m not the uber-productive, super motivated, goal-oriented person the online articles, podcasts, blogs, and social media posts say I can and should be during this pandemic.
When the middle of March came, a switch did not flip for me. I did not suddenly find hours of free time and devote this to self-development.
Nope. I kind of did the opposite. I wallowed and got bored. I couldn’t even binge watch all the shows (I already did this in the before times).
And here we are in October and I finally have the nerve to stand up and say “I‘m not a pandemic overachiever. I’m not doing all the things.”
I’m just doing what I can to stay sane and not think about the what if’s, should have been doing, could be doing, missing out on’s, and might never do agains.
I like to believe I’m not the only person who is growing weary of the super-motivated ideal that has been forced on us as a way to look on the “bright side of the pandemic” and to “find the silver linings“.
But who knows. If I trust the Internet, I’m the only person in the “not doing all the things and I’m okay with it” cool kids club.
And no, I don’t want to join your sourdough starter club or take lessons for a language I’ll likely never use since who knows when it will be safe to travel again. Thanks though.
(Written with a smile and a generally balanced outlook on life. I’m fine. Really. I am.)
Ottawa Cross 
Well said,
Thanks. It seems like lots of people are feeling the same.
I’m with you, sister. I’m actually rather relieved to have a break from choosing choir music and showing up every Tuesday full of energy. I’m also fine with not having to deal with the crazy conductors at the youth orchestra where I am a volunteer librarian. I did a pile of mask sewing early on and feel good about that, but it’s been a while since I’ve made very many. I started a paint-by-numbers (yes, those still exist) a while ago but ran out of steam (tiny spaces and gloopy paint). I have finally picked up my sweater (mid-sleeve) and started knitting it again (after I figured out where in the pattern I’d put it down back in April).
So no, I’m not doing all the things either and I’m OK with that. Maybe that’s the silver lining – taking a well-deserved break.
Joanne, I think you’ve nailed it – the silver lining is taking a well-deserved break and feeling damn good about slowing down.
Hi Vickie,
Well said. I am not doing a lot in the way of exercise etc. However I have been using this time for self-reflection and afternoon naps. I did have a major cleaning spurt at the beginning because of renovations. Now its pre-hibernation tactics, afterall Winter Is Coming!
Great to hear from you Fran! Winter is coming – too soon. I like your afternoon nap strategy. I get up early 4:00 because of my pool swimming habit – and really I could do with a mid-morning nap.
There is a lot on my more private social media feeds and conversations about people who are not just not doing all the things; many are struggling to do the bare minimum. I have never been very good at self-directed things. My sport choices involve pre-paid lessons (or a peer group) whenever possible to make sure I show up. I joke that I have arts and crafts ADD; it’s more truth than joke, and right now my track record on finishing projects is worse than usual. I have to game-ify absolutely everything in order to achieve even the simplest of objectives (such as dusting or vacuuming). You are not alone; don’t let Instagram tart to convince you otherwise.
It’s interesting how there is mystique around this strange period that everyone has become a doer – when what the comments here and on FB reveal is in fact the opposite. I did get motivated this morning and cleaned out the freezer (it’s a very small fridgetop freezer – but I feel productive now).