Wanderlust: Navigating a Tristate Tour in a Pandemic Pt. Two

So, I guess y’all are still waiting patiently for part two right? (LOL) Yeah, the end of summer definitely came at me quick. Let me wraps this up so we can move on to some new things.

We left off with our arrival to Alabama. This was the longest leg of our trip as we were spending time with my boyfriend’s family in Birmingham. It was really fun meeting them and getting to know them. I hadn’t been here since I was kid. It was a trip to take in some of the historical Civil Rights sites, although moving at the time, I hate that my memories of that are already fleeting. However, we did get to take in some history at our first attraction.

The Vulcan Park & Museum

The Vulcan Park and Museum boasts the worlds largest cast iron statue. Birmingham’s development is intricately tied to the economic boom of the iron and steel industries. As someone who grew up in relatively close proximity to the Rust Belt, I was intrigued to learn more (I might also be a budding economic development nerd, but that’s neither here nor there). The exhibit does a nice job of outlining the evolution of the city, and I appreciate that it also highlights it’s place in the Civil Rights Movement as well. What was so ominous to me where how some of the rhetoric and displays in the Great Depression era mirrored today. An added bonus is that the rotating exhibit was about women’s suffrage in Alabama (Hint: It was granted quite late and also involved racism). One woman in particular I learned about was Elizabeth “Indiana” Little. She was Black woman who was jailed for speaking out about her right to vote in one of the counties after being denied voter registration with a group of other Black women she led there. After word spread of her arrest the Justice Department launched an investigation of voter registration in Birmingham. I love learning on my travels!

Not only was the museum full of interesting new things to learn, the grounds of the park are beautiful. It’s tucked away within one of Birmingham’s neighborhoods, with a view that overlooks the downtown skyline. I can only imagine how it looks from there at night. With your ticket you also get to ride an elevator to the top of the statue where the panoramic views are amplified. Of course in true millennial fashion, we had a cell phone photoshoot. Here are some shots from the Vulcan’s overlook area.

Landscape photo of Railway Park

Downtown: Railroad Park

Next stop of the day we went downtown to see another park and grab some lunch. We had a chance see the BLM street mural. It was so large you honestly couldn’t get a good photo of it unless you’re at an aerial view. The street itself frames Railroad Park. It’s such a cute repurposed urban greenscape. We didn’t stay here too long, but I was able to snag a few shots.

The Fish Market Southside

It wouldn’t be a trip to the south for me without some good ol’ fried seafood. We ate at The Fish Market Southside, and BAY-BEEEE!!! I was thoroughly please with my meal. Started things off by splitting some fried green tomatoes. Then, enjoyed an entree of fried catfish fillets with a side of fried okra and charbroiled oysters. This was the first time I had oysters prepared this way. I’m normally a fresh off the ice gal, but this did not disappoint.

Lovely entree featuring crispy fried catfish nuggets, fried okra, hushpuppies and charbroiled oysters.

Bonus Stop: Atlanta and Tennessee (again)

On our way back up to Indy we swung by Atlanta briefly to see some other friends. This leads my to my #BrittBuysBlack on the road features. If the last food photo wasn’t enough guess where we went... the Slutty Vegan!! My boyfriend is not at all normally hyped about plant-based/focused diets, until he ate from here. He came to One Music Fest and had a chance to order from the food truck, and I’ve never seen this man’s face light up this much about a meatless meal. He literally raved about it to folks all year long. Now, it was my turn to try. Surprisingly the wait wasn’t bad because the weather and of course the state of the world then (John Lewis’ ceremonies in Atlanta) led to less crowds. Y’all, that fake bacon cheeseburger was everything. I couldn’t believe an animals life hadn’t been sacrificed for this splendor. I can’t wait to return and try their faux chicken sandwich.

The Slutty Vegan restaurant in Atlanta, GA

Our last major stop on this trip was a tried and true favorite for me— Prince’s Hot Chicken in Nashville. I hadn’t had any since December and I was feigning. It lived up to my expectations per usual, but what I didn’t anticipate were the new neighbors next door. The Peach Cobbler Factory was now just steps away from Prince’s front door, so you know I was IN THERE. I got the blackberry AND peach cobbler, and I never knew this was a dessert combo I needed in my life. To top it off, one of my BF’s friends gave me a can of Weathered Souls’ Black is Beautiful stout.

Blackberry and peach cobbler from the Peach Cobbler Factory in Nashville, TN

I hope you enjoyed this two part travel blog. We had another successful couples trip together full of family, friends and food. We didn’t get caught up by the virus thanks to us and the places we went to following precautions (even when mask wearing by the public was sketchy). All in all, the trip was just…

Me and the Bae at Peach Cobbler Factory!

Ciao,

Britt

Wanderlust: Navigating a Tristate Tour in a Pandemic (Part One)

I finally broke out and went across state lines! This is the first time since February, and for some that may not be a big deal but for me—this is HUGE. I’m someone who was used to greeting my city’s TSA staff on a monthly basis, if not biweekly during some seasons. I have to say the pandemic did raise fear in me about traveling, so my apprehension was stronger than my withdrawal. I mean this year I had planned to go to new states, countries, continents, but oh well! Rona had other plans for me… Anyway, my BF and I took a trip to check on some family and friends which led us to traverse the Bible Belt, and I thought I’d share with you a few sites we saw and local eats we enjoyed.

First to kick things off, what’s a travel recap without a mishap story? When it comes to road trips, I’m someone who prefers to move in the moonlight/daybreak hours. Miss me with rush hour traffic and the other late-risers heading a little too slowly to their destination clogging up the lanes. But due to a full day of celebrations prior, we weren’t so fortunate in making that early rise happen. I got over it, but our delays were only beginning. I mentioned in a previous post that I bought a new car in quarantine (Yay!), so far it’s yielded over $2500 in repairs (Boo!). Thankfully, all things covered under warranty (God is GREAT). I had just taken my car out of the shop to fix an A/C issue not even a full week before our departure. Y’all, can you believe we barely made it to the next county and oh girl started rattling! Luckily, we were able to safely pull off to an exit to see what’s going on and we find this:

My raggedy ___ serpentine belt shredding in my car.

For those of you not mechanically inclined this is NO BUENO. Like, the car could die and other catastrophic events. Again, God came through with the assist and the belt is not completely gone and we can get it back home safely to Indy. By this time I was BIG mad, but what would we do without loving partners who know how to restore some peace to rage? He reminded me that these things happen for reason and we got on the road when we were meant to. We probably avoided a potentially more calamitous situation because of it. So with half of a returned smile and repacked bags, we hopped in his car and off we went!

A quick family pick for the road! (No mask just for the photo!)

Stop 1: Grandma’s House (TN)

I’m fortunate to still have a living grandparent. She’s in her 90s and the threat of the pandemic definitely kept her on my mind. It was so good to see her and one of my uncles. I cherish every time I get to see her and spend time physically with her. The greatest part of all was being able to use technology and have her FaceTime with several of our folks back here who aren’t able to come down. Phone calls are great, but laying your eyes on somebody hits different.

Stop #2: “Sweet Home Alabama”

After that quick stop, our journey continued into the evening to Alabama. I’ve been all over the state in my childhood and teens. In fact, one of my late uncles used to teach at the HBCU Alabama A&M University (a role model for why I pursued college and a psychology degree). Never in all my years had I taken a photo with the “spaceship.” I probably slept right past it in most of my journeys down there. Plus, my family was never that big stopping along the way for sight-seeing pictures. It was either a rest stop, food stop, gas stop or the destination. My BF on the other hand was excited to see it, and I obliged to stop for the stretch and photograph. We’d also just traveled 20 miles through backroad no signal TN and I could use a grounding moment for my anxiety. Nonetheless, it was a cool hop on hop off site to see. See the picture below.

It’s a spaceship! (Ignore my need for a fill.)

The end of day one we safely arrived at our first overnight destination of Birmingham, AL. I’ll recap our sites there in the next blog. But before I do, I leave you with some symbolic words of wisdom:

• Don’t lose your cool when plans are interrupted. Trust the timing of your life and its events.

• Always take time for family (blood or chosen). Don’t take those opportunities for granted.

• Don’t be afraid to go off-the beaten path, it can be some beautiful sites there.

• Be alert and spontaneous, take in the opportunities that pop up on your journey.

See you in part two!

Britt

Britt Buys Black --Sweets Edition

The support for Black-owned businesses continue! This time we’re talking desserts!! I love food, period. However, I do have a soft spot for sweets. Cookies, cakes, pies, donuts—you name it! This time we’re focusing on sweets that cool you down in this summer heat. Let me take to two of my favorite new spots.

Gordon’s

Milkshakes

This is the “Cookie Monster”, and yes it’s as good as it looks.

First up is Gordon’s Milkshakes. I would go every week if it didn’t completely defeat my health goals for the year. Here you can not only get milkshakes, but also scoops of ice cream, cobbler, beignets, and so many more delicacies. There are also vegan options and CBD add-ins. If you’re around Mass Ave. I highly recommend you stop by.

TeeJays Sweet

Tooth

My Donut Ice Cream Sandwich:
- Two scoops of their blackberry cheescake
ice cream
- Nilla wafers crumbled

If Gordon’s menu doesn’t have enough novelty to tickle your fancy have no fear. Check out TeeJay’s Sweet Tooth on the Westside! The line is long, but once you get to the drive-up menu you it all starts to make sense. The true pièce de résistance is the donut ice cream sandwich. Yes, you heard that correctly. On warm glazed donut “buns” you can choose your two scoops and a topping for the wonderful filling. Their other specialty treat is the Fruity Pebble Treat sandwich.

So those are my two feature this go around. Here are some tips. Be prepared to wait. (Remember, you’re buying novelty ice cream in the summer time during a pandemic.) Scope out the menu beforehand so that you won’t have decision paralysis at the register. Finally, make sure you tip!

Stay Sweet!

Britt

Boss Babe Brunch Recap

A few Sundays ago (I’m working on consistency y’all), I had the awesome opportunity to attend the Boss Babe Brunch hosted by Mariah Oliver owner of Behind the Scenes Marketing. It was my first brunch event since the city had started opening up, and honestly it felt so good to be out again. I put on my new dress from my latest New York & Company clearance haul, co-washed my hair—I even wore heels, y’all! The purpose of this event was to bring together women entrepreneurs across Central Indiana to network and be inspired (plus the added bonus of bottomless mimosas). I had an opportunity to meet women who had blogs (Here and Here), were launching podcasts, starting nonprofits and a wonderful baker who established her business in honor of her mom. I even had the pleasure of attending with my own boss bestie, Brittany from SnapsxStyles Media. When I tell you there was nothing but good vibes swirling around the room from start to finish. We enjoyed being around one another to learn and affirm each others’ passions. There was even an enlightening moment where we caught ourselves playing small with our endeavors. It’s crazy how women can become conditioned to humble brag. It showed me I need to be more confident in telling folks I’m a blogger. I blog, so there you go.

The Boss Behind the Brunch and Myself

BSquared

Brittany of SnapsxStyles and myself
at the photo booth.

One of my favorite elements of the event were the fabulous speakers that were there. They truly are phenomenal women in their own ways, and I appreciated them being vulnerable about their journeys and providing powerful advice to help us all continue forward as bosses. Jeannie Lee Lake is the only Black woman running for Congress in the state of Indiana. She shared the power of trusting God to provide for what He’s calling you too. He will blow your mind with the gifts He’ll give you to overcome the challenges you face. Shayla Pinner insight affirmed that it’s ok to walk away from the present work if you’re not passionate anymore and explore a career change, even if others don’t understand you journey. Angela Freeman is a powerhouse who you can tell lives freely as her authentic self in professional spaces, and I loved her energy. She was a microbiologist turned patent lawyer (wow), who is the epitome of what grind looks like, all the while emphasizing the power of networks. Last but surely not least was Sonal Sheth Zawahri. Through her life transitions and experiences she spoke the importance of standing on what you know is right, and not staying down when difficulties arise. She also introduced us to her framework of STRETCH (can’t wait to get her workbook). Plus, she’s a very energizing and motivational speaker. Long story short—these women had me in the feels, positively.

I know times are scary right now, but don’t close yourself off from networking with folks who could potentially put you in the position to live your dreams or better yet you provide a needed resource for someone else. I’m grateful that Mariah stayed with her vision and things calmed down just enough to make this event possible. It was definitely the encouragement I needed to keep up with my boss swag.

Britt Buys Black--And You Should Too!

I am a serial shopaholic and foodie. Whether it’s in my home city or abroad I want to find local experiences and goods. This is likely a reaction from my upbringing. My folks shopped big box stores and outside of a local Black fish joint most of my childhood restaurant experiences involved yeast rolls and buffets. As I got older and definitely once I started living and working in small town Indiana, my appreciation grew for supporting local businesses with an extra excitement around finding Black ones. Economic prosperity for Blacks in the US was not a part of the master plan (whole pun intended). However, so much of how we move and where our money goes shapes this county’s popular culture, trends and economy. Additionally, we’ve all come to the realization that 9-5 hustling is now the long-game approach to increased wealth versus business ownership. Don’t get me wrong my 9-5 covered the laptop I’m typing this post on today, but I know entrepreneurship and smart investments is going to create my kids/village college funds and a Caribbean beach home by 50.

Soulful Sweets

New local baker who specializes in cupcakes and cheesecakes. Delish!

So that’s why I’m trying to be more intentional about buying Black. If I want to keep “Rooting for everybody Black” as Issa Rae declared, I have to put my money where my mouth is and participate in Black wealth generation. And this isn’t always easy. My folks were working-class frugal shoppers. Cheap, easy, convenient. Those were the values for our family purchasing. Shopping/dining local doesn’t always align with that, so it does take more work and intentionality to do.

Luckily, there are plenty of resources to help with this. From Black-owned restaurant lists and campaigns to online databases and Instagram accounts. If anything, supporting local Black businesses should be easier than ever before. Not sure where to begin? Try these simple practices to help you buy Black:

• Find a Black professional for your regular services (hair, taxes, dentistry, tattooing)

• Dine at a Black-owned and/or operated restaurant at least once a week or month

• Replace some of your normal toiletries or household items with Black-owned brands

• Buy more works from Black authors and artists, stream Black musicians and shows

• Promote local Black businesses on your social media or word of mouth (it’s free.99)

• Utilizing Black-owned vendors, speakers, experts for your business

Jassi Beauty

Productions

My nail tech gets me RIGHT and she nails the inspo I bring in every time.

To better amplify how I’m investing in my community, I’m going to start tagging my social media posts with #BrittBuysBlack to highlight Black-owned businesses, goods and services. Make sure you follow along and be sure to check some of these places out too. Also, don’t forget to tip and leave a review! Listen money may be tight right now, but by no means has it completely stopped moving during the pandemic, so please, flow it through the Black community any chance you can. If you’re in Indy there’s also a really awesome campaign going on call #IndyBlackBusinessesMatter. Sign up to get your sign for location’s window. Days of solidarity are nice, but our economy is shook by lasting trends not just one-time or episodic blows. I still claim a lot of new Black millionaires in this decade. So let’s get to it!

Get Money. Buy Black!

Britt

Finding Freedom: First Half of 2020 in Review

The irony was not lost on me as folks wished Happy Fourth in the midst of two pandemics. As a Black woman in the US, “liberty and justice for all” is still looking mighty relative to who you ask. However, I’m grateful for this long weekend to really rejuvenate and reflect on what finding my freedom looks like especially in 2020. The quest for racial justice will always be a constant as long as I’m in my brown skin and living in the USA, but I've realize as the country slowly reopens how quickly we can become re-enslaved to habits and culture that didn’t serve us in quarantine (and arguably wasn’t serving us prior to COVID-19). Here are a few ares I’m intentionally trying to reclaim my freedom and peace going into the second half of 2020.

1. Financial Freedom.

2. Spiritual Freedom.

3. Mental Freedom.

Financial Freedom

I’m high-key shocked and appalled at how quickly some of my spending habits returned as stores opened back up and I returned to work. Coffee shop runs, additional Target trips, event tickets, oh my! It was like money was just levitating out of my wallet and vanishing before my eyes. I fell off on my savings routine, stopped investing, got behind on tithes. What is wrong with me? Can anyone else relate? No wonder capitalism doesn’t want people staying at home. I started boosting the economy as soon as I began leaving the house more than twice a week.

Solutions: I’m reinstating money dates weekly (My business coach and colleague Kayley Robsham introduced me to this concept, learn more here). I’m going back to my hybrid remote schedule to keep me at home more. I’m going to pick up a side hustle this month to more aggressively stack and pay of expenses.

Spiritual Freedom

“Listen carefully, I am about to do a new thing, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even put a road in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 (AMP)

I am a believer. A struggling one, but I’m trying. I really had a renewed focus on my walk prior to COVID-19 and as the stay at home began. I was listening to sermons almost everyday. Praying regularly. Focusing on inspirational music. I was even facilitating a book study (which I love as an educator). I lost touch, and as the racial unrest re-intensified I fell even more away from my relationship with God. I got distracted. Does this mean I want to ignore what’s happening in the world around me, of course not. I have to remember where my strength comes from and to tap into it intentionally and regularly if I want to maintain the fortitude needed to survive and thrive in mad world.

Solutions: I joined an accountability group that’s revived my spirit. I’m going back to daily sermons and worship music. I’m going to find a new book to study and teach. I’m getting my prayer group back together for Zoom calls. I’d like to finally put monthly sabbaths in place so I can truly spend hours meditating and focusing on God and His vision for my life.

Mental Freedom

The time in quarantine did wonders for slowing me down and quieting my mind. However, as I became stir crazy and eventually started going out and about again some of my old stressors have returned. Not to mention the racial battle fatigue that’s rearing it’s ugly head again. In the last two months, I shifted back to autopilot and watched the depression and anxiety creep back in and render me hopeless and exhausted at points. I let staying at home delay me from finding a therapist and intentional checking in with my full support system. Going back into my normal professional life, I started to drift back into feelings of imposter syndrome and worrying about doing enough/being enough. I think my Co-Star app told me to meditate weekly since May and I’ve ignored that suggestion each time because I didn’t feel like I had the time.

Solutions: I’m going to allow myself to take mental health days. I’m finding a therapist by the end of July. I’m honestly telling people when I’m not feeling the best. I’m identifying new affirmations to get me through the dark moments. I’m really going to implement sabbaths to re-center and focus mind, body and soul. I’m going to read things that have themes of Black Joy. I’m telling people when I’m not in the mood to educate.

Overall, the biggest thief of these things have been systematic oppression, hyper-productivity work culture, and capitalism. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, you have to figure out not only what the new normal looks life for you, but also how you’re going to maintain it or reverse-engineer your life to obtain it. I’ve seen firsthand how quickly you can get sucked back into bad business as usual.

Peace,

Britt

Why I Loved Quarantine...Back to Normal-ish (?)

First off, let me apologize for ghosting y’all in the pandemic. Mad appreciation to those of you who have read my first few posts. I’m glad this was the year I finally got this project off the ground, and I have received great encouragement. Many blessings and gratitude y’all! Long story short, I’m back and I look forward to writing more posts for everyone as we try and make the most of this COVID-19 summer.

So, the state re-opened. I’m mixed about it. I’m glad to not be as restricted, but I have to admit I’m concerned about the areas already seeing new surges because folks have also carelessly thrown away the precautions to keep those around them safe. I’m back at work in a hybrid fashion and I’ve learned that I only love remote if I get to chose where I’m remote from day to day (like on a beach). No matter where my “office” is it can’t be the same longer than a two week period. I need variety.

I’m still working out, which is a magnificent win for 2020. I can jog a whole quarter mile without passing out due to lack of oxygen. Major victory! My body actually craves movement/fitness again, just like the good ol’ K-12 days. It was my favorite form of play then, and I’m glad I’ve tuned back into it. Side note, a lot of my work clothes still didn’t fit, and that’s more than ok. I’m happy and healthy and that’s all that matters.

It’s amazing to me that going back outside has already shot my food spending up like 200 percent. I opened my own personal Mint app like, “who the heck is eating all this food?” June has been a wake up call that I may need to be stricter in how I police my wallet when I step out the front door. I refuse to start eating all my money again. Meal prep game is about to get really tight. (Please share any budget recipes!)

Me and my boo survived being quarantined together, and I think we’re even tighter for it. Consider the relationships you had going into this experience. Who did you communicate with more? Who did you lose touch with? Sometimes we cultivate relationships by way of location and proximity. That’s not to say drop who you didn’t keep up with, but establish how you all are going to maintain a strong connection that’s not place-based. I realize my local relationships suffered the most because my long-distance folks and I already had an established virtual routine.

All in all, I hope you take time this week to reflect on the bright spots of quarantine. The pandemic gave me a much needed slow down to reprioritize my health and well-being. Just because the powers that be are trying to usher us back into normalcy, that doesn’t mean your life should go back to the exact same way it was February 2020. My mission this summer is to make sure very little goes back to normal inside and out.

Be Well!

Britt

Why I Love Quarantine! (Part Two)

Before I dive into more of my quarantine reflections, I do want to pause and raise attention to a key issue. Where I live, like many other places in the US, are seeing hugely disproportional effects from COVID-19 in the Black community. We know of course that this is a direct consequence of systematic oppression, which this pandemic has brightly illuminated across the country. Well, that hit home for me about a week ago. I lost someone to COVID-19. She had such an energy about her that allowed her to connect with so many people, and it was a blessing to see how she had grown and overcame so much during the time we’ve know each other. She leaves behind a teenage son and other loved ones. If you’d like to show your support you can donate here.

So I know I used “love” in this series title, but understand love isn’t always sweet. Honestly most of this quarantine has been sobering, but for that reason I’m grateful. It provided the sit yo’ butt down moment that was desperately necessary in my life as I felt myself burning out again due to too many priorities and not enough time. It cleared my calendar and did a hard reset on my normal over-extended flow and routine. With everything being peeled away, it helped me face what I want more or less of in my life moving forward. In the first few weeks, I started to ask myself what’s really important to me and where I want to spend my time long-term. For example, besides showing out for Bae I wasn’t cooking like that. I realize it wasn’t because I was anti-domestic, I just had so little time to do it with enjoyment. Now, it’s been one of our favorite/consistent bonding activities. Plus, I’ve saved HELLA money not eating out 2-3 meals a day.

“Upgrade U” Ramen

- 2 packs of cooked ramen (plain)
- frozen stir-fry veggies (one bag)
- 1/2 lb of jumbo cooked shrimp
- 3 cups of chicken broth
- 1 1/2 tbsp of soy sauce
- 1 tsp of red pepper flakes
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp of minced garlic

Speaking of money, I’ve been spending way more time getting my finances in order. A task I willfully avoided, but mainly because I wasn’t willing to sacrifice convenience for frugality in my previous busy AF life. I’m finally adopting all those darn Dave Ramsey baby steps. Shoot, I started investing on Robinhood because I have the time and extra resources. (My portfolio can’t buy me a plane ticket yet, but small steps.) I can admit travel has been up for debate on where it sits in my priorities financially. On one hand, I’m so so so happy I’ve already seen some of my bucket list places already (especially Italy). On the other, not burning my income on last minute plane tickets has allowed me to think more strategically about how I can make this addiction more sustainable and responsible once we open up the world again.

Another layer of that is, I have too much stuff! I’ve been cycling through a couch potato capsule wardrobe that has given me full confidence this could be a lifestyle moving forward. I had already considered going through a minimalism journey this year and this was a push in the right direction. I’ve needed very few things for day to day living—even if my recent queue of Amazon orders say otherwise. I’d like really see if I can do this. I still have to go through the Kon-Mari rodeo, but I’m optimistic that “would this spark joy in quarantine” will help.

For brevity in individual posts, I’m going to add another blog (or two) in this series. Please stay at home if possible. Take time to process how you’re feeling and coping. Most importantly, check in with your loved ones during this time often and tell them how much you love them. Every moment during this time is precious.

Take Care,

- Britt

Why I Love Quarantine! (Part One)

Yeah, I said it. I meant it too. I know a I just got here, but starting this series is front of mind and heavy on my heart right now. So much so, I need to break this information down into more palpable chunks. Before you click away in disgust, hear me out!

First off, what I’m not saying is, “I love Coronavirus.” That’s sick—no pun intended. I’m heartbroken every time I hear of the rising cases and increasing death tolls. Even now, I know folks who have personally been impacted by this pandemic whether it be job loss, catching the illness, and actual death of loved ones. Additionally, I understand that some folks are not in the best or safest situations while quarantined. My heart goes out to them too. I pray that there’s peace and they’re able to connect with resources to get them to a better situation (feel free to reach out to me if you don’t know where to find resources).

With that being said, I’m grateful for what quarantine has done with my life—she, me, her. The quarantine has given my life a hard reset and really removed a lot of distractions for me. I’m not prescribing that you need to be experiencing the same transformation, but I would encourage you to use these slower times to quiet your thoughts and see what clarity you receive. Journal, ask yourself some hard questions, read some inspirational messages, talk with a coach/therapist/mentor. Re-examine your goals and priorities for the year, or make some if you hadn’t already.

Ok, I’ve strung this out enough. Here’s some highlights of what I’ve gained so far, and I’ll go in more in-depth with the next post:

1. I’m truly an introvert. (My stir-craziness didn’t kick in until week four.)

2. I really enjoy remote-working, like a lot!

3. I waste money when I go outside.

4. I have a really compatible partner.

5. I give my time/attention away too freely to others.

6. I enjoy cooking.

7. I’ve been neglecting my body.

8. I have way too much stuff.

9. I like being outdoors.

10. I don’t want to go back to my “normal” life.