25 Things I've Discovered by Sheltering-In-Place
- I've discovered that practice does not make perfect. Proof: I've played so much guitar in the past six weeks that I've developed those little round calluses on the tips of my fingers. Playing doesn't hurt anymore, but I haven't gotten any better either.
- I've discovered how important motion is. I've been a runner for years but now I have to go for at least one or two walks and/or runs every day or else I get crampy and grumpy. (And yes, grumpier than usual.)
- I've discovered how much people appreciate it when you check in with them. All you have to ask is “How're you doing?” The answers are profoundly warm and appreciative.
- I've discovered that if you still haven't done something that you put on your To Do list – written that book, perhaps, or cleaned out your garage – you should take it off your list. You're not going to do it.
- I've discovered how fattening restaurant food was.
- I've discovered how important it is to check your Zoom background. I was on one Zoom conference where a participant had a pair of underwear hanging on the closet door behind them. I was on another where someone forgot where they were and did something on camera they probably shouldn't even do in private.
- I've discovered how fragile the things we take for granted can be.
- I've discovered how hard it can be to end some sentences without a preposition.
- I've discovered how hungry people are for solutions.
- I've discovered how much I actually like my friends and family.
- I've discovered how quickly simple things such as masks, hand sanitizer, and toilet paper can become scarce and hard-to-find.
- I've discovered that it doesn't matter which way you hang your toilet paper roll if you don't have any toilet paper to hang anyway.
- I've discovered how generous people are with things like masks, and hand sanitizer, but not toilet paper.
- I've discovered why bidets matter.
- I've discovered that there's no limit to the number of rabbit holes Apple Music's infinite library can send me down.
- I've discovered that Zoom cocktail parties were invented for people who feel guilty about drinking alone.
- I've discovered that shorts, running shoes, and a tee shirt are the perfect outfit for 99% of the things I've been doing for the past six weeks.
- I've discovered that the other one percent doesn't require any of those items.
- I've discovered that my dogs are better adjusted than I am. Lots of people are very concerned about what they're doing at home every day. My dogs aren't concerned at all. They're just happy I'm home with them 24/7/365.
- I've discovered that yardwork, housework, and office work all end with the same word.
- I've discovered that Boomers and Gen Xers are better at Zoom calls than younger users. That's because we were raised on The Brady Bunch and Hollywood Squares.
- I've discovered how many different loving communities I have. Musicians. Runners. Speakers. Car people. Mastermind Groups. Friends. Family. And all of you who read my blogs.
- I've discovered how much I enjoy writing these blog posts and how much I value your responses. Believe it or not, I even appreciate the disagreements and the criticism.
- I've discovered how important it is to say thank you.
- Thank you.
Bruce, I never tire of your wit, insight and truisms. Thank you for always keeping me entertained and informed. Things to add to the list:
When out walking, in the past people would pass you by, now say hello or give a nod. This time seems to bring out the best in some.
I’ve discovered that I can actually spend 24/7 with my beloved husband, Ted……….:)
I’ve discovered how truly grateful and blessed I am.
I’ve discovered that I have a wonderful, loving circle of family, friends, co-workers, organizational colleagues and you…
My To Do List is much shorter thanks to you.
Forgot one:
Truly appreciate Alexa as never before.
Love this list! Your blog is a bright spot of sanity among all the negative reporting during these ‘unusual’ times.
Thank you 🙂
Bruce,
Thank you, for a delight and a little pleasure.
I look forward to your blogs, so do not stop.
All the best,
alan
I loved this blog, Bruce.
Made me smile!
Nicely done, Bruce! It’s good to hear that you are well, and I share many of your “discoveries.” We’re “home-schooling” our two grandchildren for two days each (one Mon-Tue and the other Thu-Fri), and I’ve discovered that all that time many people are finding hard to fill doesn’t seem to exist at all for me! And what a blessing it is to have this priceless time with them (7 and 4).
I once spent an entire day in a boat with Bruce floating down a river trying to catch trout. I didn’t know Bruce at all and we were intensely focused on learning how to catch the fish and only sparingly did we talk about other things. I now read every blog and it makes me feel like I’m back in the boat with Bruce, only this time I’m not worried about catching fish!
Your newsletters never disappoint! This is an excellent list.
Thank you Bruce, this was fun to read. So creative, and so true! I know you love running, do you have a treadmill? Remember to release the tight muscles that are happening because we’re sitting so much lately – the #1 cause of low back pain.
Thanks for that great list, Bruce. It vibes well with my Top-25 list! It’s such a good list that I suspect it will lead to new and innovative formats for future newsletter sharing. I’m always looking for the silver lining…..
Wonderful list….I’ve sent this on to several of my friends. Thank YOU, Bruce….
richie goldman
I love the list. I knew you were thoughtful and creative so I didn’t discover it but nice to see I was right.
Stay safe… make sure your wife stays safe too!!
Thanks for your uplifting email, giving us so many things to identify with…oops, ended with a preposition.
Bruce,
THANK YOU!
The numerous chuckles were great!
Loved this! I’ve realized that, although I can’t wait for things to get back to normal, I am going to miss this time with my family. It’s been so wonderful being with my husband and daughters day in and day out. I’ve realized that I have so much to be thankful for including my home, my job, my friends that I miss like crazy, my family, and especially MY DOG! 🙂
I love all of this but especially #’s 12 and 19 but that’s because I’m an animal nut and my cats are keeping me sane.
And 12 can you believe, a neighbor left 24 rolls of T.P. at my door!!!!!
Thank you
I appreciate your insight and common sense observations.
Happily
Wanda Bee 🐝
Your blogs are meaningful, fun to read ,and I find that I eagerly look for them in my mail.
Life is good. I am healthy. Mind focused….with anticipation for lots of business and fun when the time is right.
Thank you, Bruce.
This is a great list. I would also add, “I have discovered that relating virtually is vital…and exhausting.” My attention span is getting shorter it would seem. I’m surmising it’s not just me!
During these unprecedented times, Bruce has shared things that will resonate at your home. His list has reminded myself and my wife of something on our to do list that we’ll achieve this week. Thanks Bruce!
Number 16 and 21 are my favorite and dead on about the doggies. My pup is right here by my desk. A good piece and made me think about the things I’ve discovered through sheltering in place. Thanks for sharing.
Yes…this made me miss my late beloved dog Snickers (the wonder corgi). Cats are still good, but AS good as dogs.
I hope you & Yoyi are managing this Shelter-in-Place transition … I ALWAYS enjoy your blogs. 😊
Wanted to first… say THANK YOU to your beautiful + gifted wife for doing what she does and her incredible vocation!!!
And secondly…. I will give you hand sanitizer & toilet paper!!! 😊 I can do a drop off (I cannot guarantee the quality though… but at least it will do the trick!)
Xoxo
Be safe & well!!!
p.s. Remember… I know where you live .. lol
I’m not proud of it, but I am eager to know what the person on the zoom call did in public that should not even be done in private. 😀
More importantly, thank you, as always, for a gracious, insightful, important reminder. If there is a silver lining from the tragedy, your post is part of it.
We’ve also discovered, even more than usual, just how important it is to stop completely and spend a few minutes every few hours to step outside to listen and look at nature. We’ve been playing a game with some ravens who stole a stone egg from a birdnest we included in our landscaping. Now we’re leaving them a real egg every day or two, and giggling as they fly low over the backyard on their “grocery shopping” trips.
Breathing more and thinking less has become a mantra, and yes, all those work things still end with work, but we’re grateful to be able to do all of them.
And thank you for being you!
Isn’t is wonderful that even in the worst of times we learn wonderful things! Perhaps the world really is magical! xx
I’ve discovered you many years ago, thanks to Sue and its always worthwhile reading your blogs…insightful. I’ve discovered how to cut the little hair i got, not sure if i will ever go back to a barber….and yes, bidet are important….lol…Take care and thanks…
This is perfect. And Thank you!
Bruce good list good job ..hpoe u r well. Jim donovan
As usual avery good read, ‘thank you!’
How important interacting with other people is, whether it is a shared Zoom cocktail or just a talk.
thanks for making me think.
Bruce – today’s post about 25 things you learned while at home was brilliant, timely, humorous, insightful, thoughtful, important – I guess you get that I loved it. The only thing missing was you didn’t mention Seth, which I was thankful for -:)
Shows how brilliant you are when helping people and companies tell their stories.
Keep it up and stay safe
You had me at “How’re you doing?”
All of us need to focus on the silver lining of these clouds which starts with us utilizing this time to know truly know who we are, and then being grateful for the family, friends, and colleagues surrounding us.
Hope and praying you’re doing well, Bruce.
we all also learned how important it is to say I love you every day
I love this! I’ll add to your list:
Taking the time to learn something new is good for the brain and takes up some of the day!
My music rabbit hole is you tube with my favorite bands doing live stuff in the house – Love watching tommy Shaw’s dog Carry his bone around the kitchen!
Do something to help the class of 2020 celebrate – they will neve have a senior prom or have a party after graduation ceremonies -Which they also won’t do in person.
Awesome!! Very fun to read and so true…