At Home Life: Benefits of a Slower Time

Pamela Lutrell for Soft Surroundings Leggings

Our current experience has some struggling with a slower pace, and others embracing it. My husband is literally climbing walls and missing the interaction with co-workers. However, quiet is just what I needed.  San Antonio had a cold front move in over the weekend…rare for April…but actually I loved it.  I have been so busy for so long that I have not taken time to sit on my back patio and enjoy a little peace. It was nice.

Every now and then, I walk out the front door just to breath deep the fresh air and listen to the birds.  During this time, it is refreshing to be home for these quiet moments when in the heart of a city, you can hear only birds and the breezes wafting through the trees.

I needed to slow down and I fully needed to de-stress from a heavy work load.  I understand it is an overall stressful time for everyone, but I do feel safe and at peace in my home and the slower pace has been exhilarating.  As we go further down this road, I may change my mind.  But, again, for now I am going to embrace the silver linings and pray for those experiencing extreme difficulties. It is so crazy and nonsensical how one event can deliver blessings, and yet so much tragedy at the same time.   I feel awful suggesting there are silver linings, but there really are for many who are practicing social distancing, staying home, and building on relationships that need time to build and had been set aside in the busyness of life.   The slower pace also gives us time to remember and ponder what is most important, so that when the pace returns we will restructure our priorities. Perhaps.  I can hope so.

Sitting here, I found myself bathed in gratitude.  So thankful to be healthy, be inside with a caring husband, to have family I believe is taking care, to have a home I love, to be blessed with friends and family, and to be thankful for even the small things…hummingbird feeders, roses in the garden; flowers on my desk and food to prepare.  Taking moments to count our blessings is also a silver lining.

LOVE THOSE LOUD LEGS!

Cozy on the back porch on over 50 feeling 40

In this picture on my patio, I am cozy at home with Soft Surroundings.  It was cold the morning I took my coffee to the patio, so I brought with me my cozy throw from Soft Surroundings (Love it and protect it! It is only mine. Many family members including the cat have tried to take it from me!)  My loud legs are the Have to Have leggings from Soft Surroundings.  Ok, I know this print could wake up the neighborhood, but these are great leggings and they come in so many prints.  They fit well and are very comfy.  Another fun option for more time at home.  I can easily walk the neighborhood in them and these speak to my artisan, creative side.  I like to wear them with a long grey tunic I own.

I have to also give a strong recommendation for the Soft Surroundings Bamboo bedding. I purchased our bamboo sheets at Soft Surroundings a few years ago and we will not ever sleep on anything else.  They are so comfortable and magically warm in the winter and cold in the summer. I am looking at some of these lovely prints they have now in Bamboo and wanting to perhaps mix things up a bit.  Will let you know if I do.  This is a brand that says COZY, COMFORTABLE, RELAXED luxury at home from clothing to bedding.  They just say AHHHH!

You might have guessed by now that all of these items are featured in my Fabulous Finds Slideshow today….and tested by me!

Enjoy looking them over

So tell me, are you are Team Pam, or Team Mr. B.  Team Pam likes the slowing down of life for right now.  Team Mr. B is going crazy and missing his active work and workout life?

 

Now… stay home…stay safe…stay hopeful, (be cozy) and…………

Remember, in our social distancing world, your smile is the way you send hugs!  

KEEP SMILING….and HUGGING!

By Pamela Lutrell

24 Comments

  1. What a beautiful spot to sit and enjoy nature! Those are great leggings, not at all loud, and I’ve been considering them for so long that it’s time to get some. I love all the various patterns they come in! And that blanket, isn’t that just gorgeous! They have such beautiful things that are purpose-made to help us feel wonderful! You are right about the silver lining, it’s there and can truly be experienced in nature. I’m listening to the birds right now and it gives such a sense of normalcy in a time when life seems kind of turned upside down. Taking the time to slow down and appreciate things that we generally dash right past is a blessing. Reading your list of blessings, you are so right, we have much to be thankful for. It seems much healthier right now to use your example of enjoying the beauty around us, be grateful for what we do have, and spend less time with the tv blaring grim news. Very inspirational post!! Enjoy that cozy, lovely spot to the max!

  2. I am going to enjoy it to the max, Karen! Just put up a new bird feeder and need to get working on more flowers. Usually, I am too busy to enjoy. Thanks for being here.

  3. I am Team Mr B. While I’m enjoying the family time with a 2019 college grad, I miss my extended family, friends, coworkers, the health club, shopping malls, travel etc. I am enjoying healthy cooking and closet cleaning (somewhat) which is easy to put off. I have a lot of clothes headed to Goodwill.

  4. Team Pam all the way!! Missing beloved family and friends terribly, but so grateful for the technology that helps take the edge off that so I can enjoy this quieter time I very much needed! However, also like you, feel so sad for those suffering and pray daily. First time commenting, but heartfelt thank you for the enjoyable reading of your thoughtful posts!

  5. I agree with you Karen, being somewhat of an introvert I am embracing this time at home; completing projects, enjoying cooking, and just being still…

  6. Good Morning! How lovely to sit out on your patio and just appreciate all that’s good in your life! Yes, we are going through something so horrific it’s hard to wrap your mind around it, but focusing on whatever silver lining we can find will keep us sane! By the way, I have that Soft Surroundings throw and absolutely love it! It was a luxury I treated myself to after a long day of Christmas shopping. The guilt I felt about spending money on myself when I was supposed to be thinking of others quickly faded when I wrapped myself in it for the first time. I keep in on my bed and nobody is allowed near it, not even my granddaughter, and that says a lot!
    I love having the time to be home and focus on things here that have long been neglected in the house while working two jobs. However, I’m a social being. I miss the interaction with friends and coworkers. My husband is more of a loner and is happy at home with Netflix. There are days when I’m fine and days when I think I’ll lose my mind!
    Love the loud legs…perfect for spring!
    Stay safe and thank you for being here to keep us inspired!

  7. Yes! I love that someone else protects this blanket like I do!! I feel better. Thanks Linda!

  8. Thank you for sharing your blessings. It is so important that we focus on the positive, and we are given that time right now. I am adding you to my list of blessings, as I look forward to your posts each day.

  9. So sweet…thank you Anne! I cannot tell you how much the readers bless me…every day. You ladies are amazing!

  10. Your Patio is a lovely place to retreat to and I love sitting out on mine these past few days….finally warm enough. As Team B with you Pam I actually enjoy the quiet the still, as you describe. I miss shopping in person though but those feelings only cone in short waves. I miss my grand baby twins Ben and Bay and snuggling them. What I really miss? My hairdresser!

  11. LOL…I have been texting with my nail tech this morning. I miss her and my hair stylists so much…this is about to get ugly. While I enjoy the peace, I do also miss family alot…especially my 5 grandbabies! I am not completely on board with a total lock down much longer, Paulette. But this has had some advantages. Thanks!

  12. I’m usually happy to stay home but being forced to stay home is not the same as choosing to stay home! I’m watching my 7-year-old great-granddaughter 5 days a week so I have to keep her entertained and also try to get her to do her schoolwork. My husband, who has always been an introvert, lives in assisted living (he has dementia). Yesterday he told me he was lonely! I was shocked but apparently, not being able to go to the dining room (meals are now delivered to his rooms) is making him feel cut-off. His health care aide stops by twice a day and food is delivered 3-times a day so I think its more the change in routine that is bothering him. I’ve learned to use Zoom and it’s always great to actually see the people you are talking to. When we no longer have to keep physical distance, it will be interesting to see how much of the “new” becomes part of our routine. I was on a Zoom bible study on Friday and the “new” format allowed someone who’d moved away and another who is recovering from chemo and surgery to join us. We’re already thinking we’ll also offer Zoom at our in-person meetings! Stay safe!

  13. I agree with you, Nancy, that I think some of the results of this will stick with us…but how great to include women in Bible Study who are no longer near by. I love that. I was sad to read about your husband. I know dementia patients get lonely…and I bet this is harder on them. So sorry you have that to deal with, but happy you have the joys of a grandchild there.

  14. I am retired & spend a fair amount of time at home, so I’m not as bothered by the stay at home order as others might be. I do miss being able to run errands when I want & going out for sit down meals. I have a new sense of gratitude for how blessed I am. I am also hoping that when this is over, I will take advantage of the opportunities to connect with others that come my way. When I a friend says let’s have lunch or coffee, I want to make a date & not just say sure. When an opportunity to gather with family comes, I want to be there & not think I can’t because I have to do some household chore. The laundry or cleaning or whatever will wait, but I may not have the opportunity to spend time with all my family again or see that friend again. I have come to realize that life is fragile so seize the day.

  15. Pam, I couldn’t agree with you more! I am bathed in gratitude as well. I am definitely on Team Pam! Stay well and safe. God Bless.

  16. So true Becky. I also have a new appreciation for spending time with others and reaching out to be sure it happens. Thanks for bringing that up.

  17. As a university administrator, I am on Team Pam. I am working from home, learning new connectivity technologies and I finally have time to focus on the tasks at hand with far, far fewer interruptions. Yes, I miss my work team. Yes, I want this over soon. But the “reset” that this has afforded me is a blessing. It has given given me time to reflect on the many blessings I have in my life and reconsider superficial things that used to seem important. Stay well!

  18. I’m definitely in team Pam. I live alone so I’m always calling or texting my kids who live up in New Hampshire. I always felt guilty if I wasn’t doing something productive all day. Not much to do in an apartment, but I have given myself permission to watch more TV or movies. I call friends more and have nice chats. Your patio is so pretty and you look very comfortable and relaxed. Enjoy your time at home and I hope your husband is able to survive his time at home. Stay safe.

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