Almost two months ago I wrote this article because productivity porn was becoming a real thing and was really making me angry. Has it gone away? LOL no. Do I think we’re all getting our sea legs now and understand a lot more about what works for each of us? Yes.

This brings me to my short topic today, it’s ok if you’re actually having fun right now. Once again, I am well aware of the intensity of the situation. If you haven’t lost a loved one, you most certainly know someone who has, or perhaps you lost your job, or you or someone you love is struggling with loneliness and depression. And yes our industry is absolutely up in the air right now.

But even with all the doom and darkness, there is some light. I personally have never had so much time to spend with my fiancé before. Or my dogs…in fact we were getting so much time we adopted a 3rd (!!!!) dog. I threw Caleb an at-home bachelor party complete with flip cup and nachos and photos of all his friends being debaucherous. We have so many new inside jokes about pushing back our wedding to next year. I call my parents twice a week at least. On the whole, I have laughed way more than I have cried.

The thing is that I have chosen to be happy in these moments. I could very easily fall into sadness or anger. There is plenty of support for that online and in the news. Except I really don’t want to. Please note: I acknowledge it is a MAJOR privilege to be able to keep the lights on, the bills paid, and even get groceries. These things leave space in the brain for the privilege of enjoyment. But I promise you I do not take it for granted. And yes, I too see a lot of my friends who have big beautiful homes, private pools, and the ability to move about in a manner I can’t dream of right now. I too can become jealous as shit if I let myself. So instead, let’s talk about a few things that have saved me from losing my gratitude for my privilidge, not get too jealous of others, and also leave me with some hope for the future:

Gratitude Journal

UGH GROSS I CAN’T BELIEVE I am writing things, its so basic. But yes, a gratitude journal has been huge. I like this one because it’s short and to the point and has not midwestern curly-q fonts, so slightly less cringe-y. Also I know that journal sold out pretty fast, so if all else fails just watch this video that really made a distinct impact on me and gave me the tools to use gratitude in a non-IG gross way.

Makings Lists

Making a list of things that I have had fun doing in quarantine and a list of things I do not look forward to going back to. This is clearly not an exact answer to any future problems…more like a brainstorm, but I have finally had time to really live a life that doesn’t involve working 3-4 jobs at a time. It has been…10 years of working at least 2 jobs (often 2 a day) and before that I was in school so you could say this is my first moments out of the rat race. If there was ever a time to get really clear on your priorities, it’s now. I strongly encourage you to check in and see if you’re continuing something mindlessly (be it a side job or otherwise) or because it actually makes you happy. I am actively trying to find ways to not work so much anymore, a concept that before this I thought made me lazy. Wrong. It just makes me more creative (especially when I let go of the belief that a full day = a good day).

Move

No, don’t move out of LA (please). Move my body. And I DO NOT MEAN exercise. I mean stand up, stretch, take a lap around my desk during a zoom call. I have walked more new neighborhoods in LA in the past two months than I have in YEARS. I also highly advocate moving and changing your work stations, your couch pillows, and your laptop stop for Zoom calls. I can’t recommend this enough, as each section of my apartment gives a different vibe. I am notorious for moving furniture (Caleb is not a fan) at random. Even for just a day. Make a fort for god’s sake, I really don’t care. But change and move yourself and your environment, even in your small space, and you will score at least a few days of extra happy.

Seeing as our Safer at Home was just extended, I am sure I will think of some more for you shortly. I also asked some of the IG followers how they have kept their spirits up and here is what they shared!

Also please know, you’re not alone. We all are feeling intense ups and downs. And if you want to talk, you know where to find me.