Perhaps you have promised yourself that you will learn a new language, or create an artistic masterpiece, as you homeschool your children into little geniuses.
While keeping constantly occupied can help relieve some of the panic brought by the unknown, there is also much to be said for taking a step back to observe and reflect.
Through reflection, we can give ourselves a chance to look at the small aspects that make up our lives, from a brand-new perspective. We can start to notice the tiny bursts of joy that happen every day, and we can appreciate everything around us with fresh eyes.
You could begin by keeping a gratitude diary, or by taking a few moments every evening to replay the day in your mind, focusing on all its positive moments (once you start looking for them, you’ll be amazed at how many new ones suddenly crop up, and how you’ll start watching out for them in the days that lie ahead).
My own personal ‘review and replenish’ routine involves going outside into my garden or looking through my window. I’ll often stop for a few moments to observe a tree or blossoms from all its different angles: from its roots, all the way up to its swaying branches and gently rustling leaves of fresh new leaves.
This is one of my favourite ways to appreciate what’s happening right now. It helps me live only in the present moment, freeing me to view life’s bigger picture, and to appreciate my place in it.
Grounding myself in the present moment means I can be grateful for the fact that I’m still healthy and breathing, that I have my loved ones around me, and that I have a roof over my head.
This, in turn, helps me to be kinder to myself and others. I can take some much-needed time to call and connect with the people I love, and I can remind myself that excessive work and productivity are not my most important life considerations.
So, if you are feeling the weight of all that pressure, perhaps it’s time to start easing up on yourself, so you can discover your very own way of noticing the now.