Like the rest of the world, the last fortnight I’ve been desperate to find a new rhythm. I find myself in a weird space, in one way some things have slowed pace and yet other things have sped up dramatically.
I’ve tried to stick to my usual weekly schedule – although all my gatherings have moved online. It’s been great for keeping some sort of normal – college, MOPS gatherings, connect groups and church are all still events I’m still attending in some shape or form. This really helps keep me focused on life outside our 4 walls.
Here’s some daily things I’ve had to put in place to make it all work and stay sane in the process. I thought it may be of use to someone out there. *Disclaimer – I am learning as I go.
Any extra tips or things you are doing that can influence my world – I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments. We’re all in this together.
My daily routine
Morning Devotions
Before everyone gets up or it doesn’t happen and the day disappears. This really does set me up in a good way for the day ahead.
You version Bible Reading Plan
Lectio 365 (recent addition – loving this app).
Coffee (& Jesus)
Morning with kids.
The rule is they have to be fully dressed before coming downstairs (sports gear for PE with Joe Wickes) PE with Joe
Treatments and Medications for my little CF’er go hand in hand with breakfast routine (it’s a busy morning and slightly calmer that we don’t have to be out the door having done all this for 7:45am).
School
I need to remind myself constantly that I facilitate this. I have learned quickly I am a terrible teacher. This is an intense 3 hours with 3 kids doing 3 different things.
Some websites have saved my sanity:
BBC Bitesize (all ages UK curriculum)
If you have found any cool sites – let me know.
Free study
(I need this space to do my own college work – praise the Lord I have my own SHEDQUARTERS to do this)
Daily walk
Depending on the mood in the house this can happen at any given time. If it’s getting tense – the walk has to happen.
Lunch and dinner
We’re trying to make this a family affair in terms of contribution. Home economics lessons that serve the purpose of feeding us. Each kid gets a night to pick menu and help cook.
Free time R&R
People are my tank fillers. So social isolation is not the best thing for me. So I’ve tried to recreate my social time online with my people using the help of a few social platforms.
FaceTime (I like seeing faces).
House Party: does what it says on the tin and allows people in your room to play games like quick draw and heads up.
Epic experience this weekend celebrating a friends birthday and doing a quiz over zoom.
Family fun
On school days it seems stressful, like we’ve worked all day. We gotta still do fun. That has looked mostly like movies and board games.
Wind Down and Bed
In a small house it’s super hard to get ‘me’ time. I’m mainly an extrovert and don’t need a whole lot of ‘me’ space – but half an hour with no one needing anything from me is essential.
I’m fairly good at knowing my needs but poor at asking for help (Enneagram 2 🙌🏻). Check out Your Enneagram Coach. I do think I’m growing at this, and this confinement is perfecting that for sure.
I am also really aware that this season is for slowing down. Granted it seems forced. But I feel like it’s a chance to reset. To focus on what truly matters. So this moment is a chance to do just that. To invest and sow into a different future. Life with 3 kids is busy – but I’m so aware that this isolation is a beautiful chance to invest in our family life like never before. We get to do this. I want to guard it.
This talk below is worth a listening. Bill Johnson says it way better than I could.
So I would love to know……
How are you getting on?
All tips welcome here.
Eyes UP look OUT 