Calm During the Pandemic: Organizing Through Chaos

Struggling Through April

April was a rough month, both physically and mentally. I struggled with the lack of a schedule. I went from a productive, let’s-get-stuff-done individual to someone who squandered 24 hours every day. Don’t get me wrong, I started off strong: only allowing myself to read for pleasure or watch TV after 5pm, daily walks, online organizing classes, taxes, healthy food choices, daily Zoom chats with friends, etc.

Relaxed woman watching TV with popcorn on sofa, cozy living room scene.

Comfortable living room with woman enjoying TV time, holding remote control, soft blanket, and bowl of popcorn for a relaxing night.

But after only a few days, I fell off that wagon hard. I spent the majority of my time binge-watching shows that I still don’t know if I enjoyed. I ate crappy food for meals, and if I left my house for a walk, I considered it a productive day. Instead of writing the next Great American Novel, posting to my business social media accounts, or publishing blog posts, I did none of that. Working out to lose weight, cooking elaborate meals, and keeping my apartment spic and span also didn’t happen. Finding another source of income? Nope. (I did jump on a dating site, but that only lasted one day).

I. Did. Nothing.

And you know what? I’m okay with the month of April. I realize it was 720 hours spent watching TV, eating junk food, and sitting on my couch, but it was all I could do just to get through the days. Some days, I was upbeat. On others, depression overwhelmed me and I barely moved from my bed or couch. This isolation made me realize how much I need that human connection—the ability to just sit with another person, talk, hug, exist in each other’s bubbles.

Finding Calm During the Pandemic

On May 1st, Governor Abbott announced that Texas was reopening. I could return to work! Oh, the relief. But during this time, my mom and I were anxiously awaiting COVID-19 test results. She had all the symptoms; I had zero. Three days after we saw each other for the first time in almost four weeks, she developed a fever, cough, and no energy. I wondered if I had caught it somewhere and infected my mother. Luckily, both our test results (and my dad’s) came back negative.

Which meant…work! It felt amazing to physically move, to help people again. There was

A woman and man organizing boxes

pure, beautiful joy in finally experiencing a productive day. I realize many people are hesitant to allow non-family inside their homes, and it will take time to build my business back up, but I’m just beyond thankful to be using my brain, my hands, my heart.

Working again has led me to be productive in other areas as well. I’ve started eating healthy again, added weekly virtual yoga sessions with friends, caught up on all emails, kept my apartment clean, thought about ways to grow my business, taken a few classes, and transitioned my NAPO board position. Through it all, I’ve been holding on to the idea of finding calm during the pandemic—even in the mess.

Gratitude and Calm During the Pandemic

Honestly? I just feel great. My endorphins are swarming. Serotonin spiraling. Yesterday, I danced and sang out loud while making breakfast! Life in May compared to April has turned 180°, and it’s a wonderful, amazing feeling.

I hope our futures are brighter because of these times. Families may continue riding bikes together, and parents might now leave work on time. My wish is that people care just a little more about each other, and that empathy continues to be felt for humankind and individual situations. As the world opens back up to 100%, let’s take a deep breath and simply enjoy each other. Be thankful.

Today, I’m thankful for the following:

Fellow organizers who have hired me on various jobs.
My clients who have joyfully welcomed me into their homes.
Mary Jo for getting me out of the house to walk.
My three nephews who saved my sanity with their laughter and dancing.
My parents who checked in on me and always offered their home if I needed it.
Amber and Evans who invited me to join their virtual yoga sessions.
Corey and Melissa who checked in when I needed it most.
That I’m working, that I’m healthy, that the sun is shining, and that the world is on the mend.