Hello, hello you wonderful bunch! How are you this week?
I hope you’re all keeping really safe, warm and well and looking after each other. It’s week 2 of self isolation and distancing, and from what I can see from here- we’ve done a pretty a-ok job of tackling week number one.
I’ve been seeking solace in Instagram lives (as mentioned), Joe Wick’s chirpy morning wake-ups (weird considering I hated P.E at school), finding my STRIDE with Twitter and finally getting my content calendar in order (my responsibilities are few and far between during this pandemic so the least I can do is try and create something, haha)!
I’ve also been guzzling down everything Harling Ross writes for ManRepeller, and loved her piece on personal writing, and why it’s so important to so many of us during this time (which fully validates me writing blog posts, right- RIGHT?) I’ve found such community and comfort on Instagram, and have loved the intimate snippets we’ve all found ourselves sharing, which actually feels quite lovely- so Harling, here’s to you reading our minds!
One of the main things I’ve learnt over the last week or so is how important it is to give into the down days. Not all the time, of course. But on the days where you feel heavy, low and a little bit grey- know it’s okay to stop and say, ‘okay, maybe not today’. Doing this is a privilege in itself, but I’ve spent so much time working from home at 5% on days like this, when sometimes the energy is simply better spent looking after number one. Doing things gently; reading, resting and giving your mind a bit of r&r.
One thing I saw on Instgram today was ‘you are not working from home, you are at your home during a crisis trying to work’ and it definitely helped me reposition some of the guilt that I can feel when I’ve been ‘unproductive’ or ‘faffing around’. I mean, Christ- I’m hardly saving lives sharing a picture of me in a jumper or my trotters in some shiny shoes (and someone please come over and give me a good shake if I start behaving like I am)- but knowing that during these times you will have days like this, as we all will- is worth keeping in mind- and know that if, during those days, doing the minimal is too much, that’s ok too. It’s okay to not know your place in a situation like this and feel a bit redundant some of the time. We’re all trying our best, navigating something some of us haven’t practiced before- and that’s what matters.
So yes! Thought I’d check in here again . I’ve finally got a hold of the kind of content I want to share over here during the next couple of months (which means FINALLY getting back on the ‘ol video wagon) and I hope you’ll join me along for the ride. It’s a bit of a cocktail of the traditional get up (beauty posts, playlists and the like) peppered with some newness and recommendations for the days ahead of us.
As always (you are a grateful squirrel) (sorry HAD to)- I hope you’re all ok. Sending so much love to you that have had a difficult couple of weeks, are working endlessly on keeping the country going, saving lives, teaching children, looking after bustling families, struggling with work and don’t have the luxury of just sitting on the damn sofa (and lots of love to those of us that are too). You are so wonderful and we have all got this. I promise.
x
(Jumper: Monki, sold out (boo), Jeans: C/O & Other Stories, Shoes: Doen)* affiliate links
6 Comments
Flo
April 1, 2020 at 7:07 pmLoved this post! And I know what you mean. Last week was not brilliant for me either because I too haven’t got anything that I absolutely have to be engaging with so have been unsure of how to use my time. Now, I’m trying to use this vast expanse of time to do more writing – something I wouldn’t ordinarily be able to dedicate as much time to doing. I’ve also found that having some form of routine and structure in my day to be helpful, particularly for my mental health. I’ve been trying to get up at the same time and start writing at the same time each day. I’ve also been running more than I used to, which has been so great as it allows me to get out of the house and to feel I’ve achieved something physical, rather than being sat around indoors all day. Though I can’t say running in London is particularly easy to do, whilst social distancing too.
Hope you’re okay and keeping safe! XX
https://www.flolavita.com/2020/04/broken-home_1.html
Julia
April 2, 2020 at 4:50 pmThe note you saw on Instagram about “working from home” really spoke to me, it made me see the situation in a different way. I feel very lucky to not feel down in this situation, even though in France it’s our third week in self-isolation. My days are fulfilling and I always have a lot to do (willingly!) and sometimes I struggle to understand and relate to those who feel down because they are at home, so this quote made me rethink and see other sides of the issue. Thank you!!
Julia x
Stuck At Home? Here’s What You Can Do To Keep Entertained | https://juliaspeaksbeauty.blogspot.com/2020/03/stuck-at-home-for-weeks-heres-what-you.html
Holly White
April 4, 2020 at 8:19 amI love these photos, you look lovely! I’ve also learned how important it is to give into the down days too – sometimes I’m just not feeling it and that’s okay! It’s better to just go with how you’re feeling! xx
Rachy’s Radar 03
April 30, 2020 at 11:00 am[…] What Olivia Did: The WFH Wardrobe (and diaries): Day 2 […]
Nippon
June 8, 2020 at 2:10 pmGreat information. Thanks!
Mia
September 24, 2020 at 2:19 pmWish I managed to get this dressed each day during lockdown … my life consisted of leggings and jumpers … CONSTANTLY!
I feel like I really lost my style after lockdown so I did a haul on here: https://www.saintgenies.co.uk/
Waiting for my delivery but I am sure I will discover it again soon
xxx