I made some lists of reflective thoughts from my journal over the past few weeks. It is interesting to note that while there are many things that I miss, the things I am grateful for and the things that remain unchanged are more plentiful than that which I miss.
Things I miss:
My family & friends
Swimming and surfing in the ocean
The mountain
Yoga classes at a studio
My therapy chair and seeing clients in person
Hugs
Walking to work
Coming home to my partner after work after not seeing him all day
Breaks in the back garden
Knowing looks that require no words or explanation
Silence which feels comfortable
Weekends away
Things I'm grateful for:
I have family and friends that I care so deeply about and miss so much
Moments of quiet in nature
the sound of the birds outside my window
sunlight on my skin
the smell and feel of cool morning air
moments of stillness during the day
much more time with my partner and the closeness we have cultivated during this time
candlelight
my creativity
new rituals
taking more time to make yummy nourishing food
using all the spices in our spice rack and trying new recipes
sunrise and sunset coloured clouds
connecting with old friends who I haven't caught up with in ages
the fact that I am still able to work full time
my work enabling me to connect and communicate with people I care about everyday
this community and the support you all give me
Things that remain unchanged:
mindful mornings
self-care
my support systems
the love I have for my people
my living environment
the passion I have for my work
feeling more myself after time on my yoga mat
healing mama nature
my values
the way music makes me feel
my love of learning
getting lost in a book
my connection with myself
Perhaps you can work through this exercise for yourself and notice if anything surprises you.