Strap on your mask because today I’m talking about COVID. I know, I KNOW. I’m just as DONE with this topic as everybody else. But stick with me here, and I hope you’ll feel better after reading this.

There are 3 major themes to the Sprouted Planner: intention, reflection, and simplicity. Today I am focusing on both reflection and intention in this season of COVID, using 5 prompts. 

COVID Reflections and Intentions

How I feel

• A bit hopeless – like this will never end
• Anxious/worried – especially about my parents
• Supremely frustrated – every plan keeps getting screwed up or cancelled because of 5 million COVID scares
• Stuck – I know the things that will help but because of the virus, its not possible or makes the options very limited/risky
• Alone/isolated – I know every single person is going through this at varying levels. We all say “we’re in this together.” Because I’m in such a fortunate spot, it makes me minimize my feelings and almost be ashamed that I’m feeling all these things, so I stuff them. And that feels lonely and isolating.
• Fortunate – to the above point, I know we are very lucky to be in the position we are in. We have our health, our jobs (OK, JOB…Aaron’s), our family & friend’s health and wellbeing. We have everything we need and then plenty beyond that.

What I’ve learned

• I am stronger than I realize
• I have little control in this world
• How important it is to focus on the things we can control
  • Our media intake
  • Our health approach
  • Our comfort level with gatherings
  • Our home life
• How inflexible I am

What I hope to do better at 

• Holding plans very loosely
• Control my temper
• Experience my feelings more fully
• Journal
• Finding consistent childcare for focused working times on Sprouted Planner
• Surrender

What I miss / look forward to get back to

• Going out to eat with my husband for a date night
• Sitting in coffee shops
• Places for the kids (e.g., indoor playgrounds)
• Not analyzing every sneeze, cough, or scratchy throat
• Smiling at people
• Not being extremely anxious about getting my parents sick
• Going to church

What I hope to hold onto beyond the pandemic

• Keeping things simple & streamlined

There you have it. Nothing pretty or profound, but reflecting and setting intentions doesn't have to be. Just getting it out of your head and onto "paper" helps. 

I found it particularly helpful identifying my feelings, as well as daydreaming about what I can't wait to do when this is all over. 

Your turn. Take 5 minutes to write/type whatever comes to mind from these 5 prompts. Tell me you don't feel a little better and more focused afterward... 

HOW I FEEL - WHAT I'VE LEARNED - WHAT I HOPE TO DO BETTER AT - WHAT I MISS/LOOK FORWARD TO GET BACK TO - WHAT I HOPE TO HOLD ONTO BEYOND THE PANDEMIC