3 Things You’ll Need to Navigate PY2 (Pandemic Year 2)

🔙 Return to the newsletter

You know what I miss?

Over the weekend, I ran into Amanda, IRL (as my kids would say). For those of you who still speak in full words, IRL stands for “in real life.”

Like the rest of the world, our business went remote last March with the onset of the pandemic. Our encounter on Saturday was, I believe, the third time we’ve seen each other – IRL – in 11 months. Despite the fact that we work together over Zoom 8-hours a week, it felt like running into an old friend from “back in the day.”

It made me really miss simple pleasantries like running into an old friend. 

And, you know what else I miss?

Karaoke.

On Saturday, Steve and the boys went curling (a typical Saturday… kidding) and I took the rare opportunity to enjoy a long, quiet, relaxing soak in the tub followed by a quick shower. 

While I was in the shower, I put on The Doobie Brothers Pandora station and found myself singing at the top of my lungs (hey, I was home alone, why not?). When the performance ended, I was left with a longing deep in my soul to go karaoke-ing (is that a word?).

I miss my friends and the things we used to do. I’m starting to feel like we’re finally getting closer to re-entering life with some sense of normalcy… the new normal, of course, but, still…

It’s seems we’re on the verge of another shift.

Maybe it’s the vaccine or the fact that our schools are slated to go back to five full days? I can’t be sure, but I sense it and I’m responding to that sensation by nesting. And no, I’m not pregnant, but it’s that same sense of urgency to get things done in anticipation of a shift in the universe, e.g., when a baby is coming… but we’re all set on babies…this is just like that.

Are you nesting or is it just me?

I’ve been vacillating between rage-cleaning and stress-knitting. Yes, I said knitting… I decided I wanted one of those cozy, chunky blankets to throw over the couch in my living room so I hopped online to find one. They are expensive! So, I went over to the YouTube, found a tutorial, placed a curb-side pick-up order at Joann’s and made my own. Turns out it’s pretty easy! It’s also a bit addicting.

Now I have the bug. As soon as I finished the first one, I placed a second order for same-day pick-up so I could get right into the next project. All I need is a rocking chair and a cat and I can settle into my new geriatric life-style. I’m kidding, of course. This hobby is for all-ages and makes for a very therapeutic outlet. You’re welcome!

As for the rage-cleaning. I’m on a tear. The good news is two-fold. It’s helping to pull me out of the February Funk and my house is getting some much needed attention. 

It all began with our MotherShip Yearly Mission for February: the closet clean-out. (More on Yearly Missions coming next week!!) I started with one closet and couldn’t be stopped!

The bad news is that my family is terrified of me. Okay, not really, but they tend to scurry when I enter the room. Let’s just say there’s been a lot of yelly-delegating.

So, yeah, nesting… Anyone?

That was a long lead-in to the question at hand…

Where do we go from here?

We wish we had a sure-fire response. “Just do (x) and all your troubles, worries, and stress will vanish into thin air!”

What we do know in moving into Pandemic Year 2, a.k.a., PY2, is that we’re operating with fewer unknowns and that gives us an edge. It also gives us more hope and confidence to move forward.

Moms, the shift into PY2 hinges on 3 things:

1. Boundaries – an uber awareness of what is important to YOU and the courage to make it known. 

In our Tick Tick Tip this week, you’ll find an article about focusing on what is important. This is so, SO important. Read it for the sake of your inner happiness; you deserve that much.

2. Routines – a schedule and pace that help you work smarter, not harder.

In our MotherShip Diaries issue this week, you’ll read why you need MotherShip. Going back to life as we knew it is not an option, forge on with a new-found sense of routine and get your ship together with MotherShip.

3. Grace – realistic expectations and infinite self-forgiveness for when we miss the mark.

Charting a new path

In charting our new path for Pandemic Year 2, Amanda and I are leaning into MotherShip… and no, this is not an ad. Well, maybe it is but we don’t have anything to sell you quite yet except for an idea…

If you haven’t followed the MotherShip Diaries, by all means, what are you waiting for? Kidding. You’re a mom, you’re busy. But maybe pencil in a few minutes to check them out. We think you’ll dig ’em and gain insight to move forward with peace of mind.

What you’ll learn is that grace is always an option. If momming is hard or stressful or just overwhelming some days, there’s another way… a better system in MotherShip.

We don’t know what the next year will bring, but we’re starting to see the forest through the trees.

How will you make the most of it? 

Take time to weigh what you’ve learned over the past year and identify what you miss. What will you take away and hold tight to? What will you let go of for good? Here are some suggestions from the What Fresh Hell podcast featured in last week’s Grace in the Race Podcast Playlist and here is a great article from last week’s Smart Reads called 6 Things to Stop Doing in 2021… because, why mince words?

Whatever you do, don’t chart your new path alone. Get on the waitlist for MotherShip and come along with us for the ride! We also invite you to join our Grace in the Race community. We’re on Team-You, behind you all the way. You’ve got this, mama!

P.S. In our Smart Reads this week we shared a collection of our favorite book recommendations of the past year. If you’re a reader looking to face PY2 with a new mindset, read them! And if you want to hear more about them before you dig in, be sure to check out this week’s Grace in the Race Podcast Playlist. There is an episode on each book!

---