Always a planner, even as a young girl, this year started no differently. Although, that soon changed as the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the world. It’s required a shifting—or pivoting—in plans and priorities, goals and mindsets. Some changes have been tough to swallow, while others serve to illustrate that our self-imposed schedules could benefit from extra “white space” for self-care and self-reflection. Personally, I’ve learned I don’t “need” everything I once thought necessary. For example, it turns out I don’t need to practice yoga in a heated room. Although I miss my tribe of Bikram practitioners, I’m content doing my own thing on my own time. And, as much as I coveted my monthly #selfcare of acupuncture and facials, I’ve discovered a coconut mask that, when used weekly, hydrates and brightens. Admittedly, it does require greater discipline for me to continue an at-home #selfcare and exercise regimen, but the time (and money) savings have been worth the effort.
What “luxuries” have you learned to do without?
Always The Write Time Blog 
Jun 24, 2020 @ 14:53:05
We have cut back on a lot as well, especially around self-care. I was starting to get facials done regularly since my skin was dehydrated (not dry…actually dehydrated). Found out, like you, that I could do my own skincare regime using the products that were used at the salon.
What is more difficult is cutting back on lessons for Olivia (although they weren’t offered until earlier this month). Although we like to give her all the opportunities she is interested in, we realized that keeping a more relaxed scheduled – rather than what was turning into a seriously chaotic and busy one – has been good mentally for us all.
Jun 24, 2020 @ 18:22:24
Ann, thank you for sharing what you’ve been learning during these strange times. It’s funny how easily we can get caught up in the way “we’ve always done it” that it’s hard to get out of said habit or mentality… until we’re forced, in essence, to take stock. I’ve learned to be a lot more content in my little world; however, I also need to be be aware when I start to disconnect from relationship. It becomes a balancing act, but one that offers positive benefits, as we both can attest 🙂