The weather in Wisconsin has been almost as bizarre as the situation we are in this week.
In the 70's one day, 40's the next and calling for possible snow tonight.
This week, I've been out on the back patio with a fire in the fire-pit enjoying a warm spring evening and then the very next inside the house under a blanket with a fire burning in the fireplace while the wintry wind blew outside.
At least we're used to that type of schizophrenic behavior from Mother Nature.
This feeling of being in limbo, of days starting to blend together, of time almost standing still is a whole different animal.
I'm doing my best to find ways to be productive, but a month (or more) of this ahead of me is pretty scary if I let myself think about it too hard.
It helps to make a list of the things I am grateful for:
My backyard fire-pit and my fireplace. And for the stacks of wood in my garage that I have available to me to bring warmth and peace.
The fact that my boys have room to spread out in our home and a basketball hoop outside to burn off energy as best they can.
The money I've got saved to ensure that we can make it through this.
The technology we have available so we can still connect with my friends and family virtually and see their faces.
My health and the health of our family. This one I am especially grateful for, as I know that can change in an instant.
I feel for all of those out there who don't have it quite so good during this time.
I know there are many people living in small, cramped homes or apartments, with family relationships that aren't happy, and homes that are depressing and sad to be quarantined in.
It makes my heart hurt to think about those people that are struggling so much mentally and emotionally as they try to get through this.
I know it's hard to keep perspective right now.
But it truly does help to focus your thoughts on the positive things in life, to live in a grateful place instead of dwelling on the many things that are so far out of our control.
I look at the stacks of wood in my garage and I think about how having a positive mindset has changed my life over the years.
Every day that I've started with a positive thought, with a grateful attitude, with a smile, has served to reinforce my ability to maintain a positive perspective.
It's built a stockpile of positive energy that has prepared me for the hard times.
I know this sucks. I know some of you are going to read my blog and laugh and dismiss me for wearing my rose-colored glasses and preaching about rainbows and unicorns.
But I'm telling you, it's a game changer friends. And it's totally in your control.
Find something positive in every single day and it will reshape your life and your mindset.
You'll be stronger and more resilient and better able to deal with the crap life throws at you.
I'm not saying I don't have my days when life is a total shit show. A couple times this week, I almost went there.
This morning will be the first time in my life I've filed an official weekly claim for unemployment.
I'm not sure if I'll have a job to go back to when this is over.
Or where life will take me from here.
But I wake up grateful for what I do have, and for being alive to deal with it all.
Every day I stack more wood. I build up that fortress.
I urge you to do the same.
Happy Easter friends - be well!
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