Oh, how different my daily life looks now than it did just four short months ago.
My daily routine and spending habits were a whirlwind pre-Covid.
I hit the gym at least five days a week before work.
I ran on the weekends, oftentimes travelling at least an hour each way to hit the trails.
I made and attended nail and hair appointments.
I shopped.
We ate out at restaurants because I was too tired to cook or didn’t plan meals in advance.
I drank a glass of wine in the evening to relax.
Every day was go, go, go.
Looking back, I realize how tired I was.
Looking back at our checkbook, I realize how much money I squandered on meaningless stuff, memberships, and services that did not add equivalent value to my life.
It took a global crisis like Covid to rip the rug out from under my thoughtless, frenetic regimen, stripping my day and discretionary expenses bare in one fell swoop, for me to take a step back and actually reevaluate my life and my priorities with my time and money.
It took a few weeks but I came to realize that I don’t need a gym membership to stay active.
With the kids home from college, for the first time EVER, I actually began enjoying cooking dinner for the family. It wasn’t a chore as I always thought it to be, but a thoughtful service for my family.
Following my daughter’s lead, I took up the daily practice of yoga. I love ‘Yoga With Adriene’ on YouTube!
One day about six weeks ago, I decided to forego drinking alcohol for a week. One week has turned into today. I’m not saying that I’ve given up alcohol forever (and granted, I haven’t been in any social situations lately where I may actually crave a beer or a drink) but for now, I don’t miss it and I think my body thanks me for it.
I’ve, perhaps temporarily, given up caffeine.
I’ve cut down on the junk food and mindless eating.
I’m reading more fiction books than ever. I just finished my third classic Stephen King book (“The Stand” took forever but worth it! Pandemic, anyone?).
I’ve cut off my nails and let both my fingers and toes go polish free.
I’m still meditating each morning and have added some short journaling into the mix.
I hardly drive anywhere on the weekends, enjoying being at home instead of escaping to the stores.
I’ve rearranged my work schedule to better accommodate my clients and myself.
The best part of Covid for me (I know that sounds weird to say) is that I am learning to slow down in my free time. To savor each moment. To embrace saving my money instead of spending it thoughtlessly.
I’m becoming more mindful of my body, my mind, my emotions, and my relationships.
Clarity can come through a change of scenery or routine, such as an extended vacation when you unplug from your “real life” for a while, which for me, was a byproduct of our month-long Safer At Home order.
Clarity can also come from exchanging ideas with an independent, third party to provide you with a fresh perspective on your life and your priorities.
Many clients come to us not knowing exactly how they want to design their estate plan.
Others think they know exactly what they want to do but after some gentle questioning, decide to go in a different direction.
Our role at My Pink Lawyer® is to provide you with a fresh perspective on your family estate and legacy plan.
We guide and we advise.
We ask you lots of questions, not to grill you, but to understand you and to help you clarify your planning goals that truly matter.
Your life is never static which is a good thing in my humble opinion.
My personal evolution over the past four months will no doubt continue to evolve even more.
So too, the planning goals you had five years ago are not likely the planning goals you have today. Or even if they are the same, your situation has likely changed which also warrants a fresh review of your current estate plan to ensure that your current circumstances and planning goals still align.
So, if you are Florida resident in need of a fresh perspective on your estate plan, I invite you to reach out to either myself (located in Pensacola) or affiliated independent counsel, Angela Tormey (located near Tampa). We both offer virtual appointments.
If you are interested in learning more about firearms trusts, ask affiliated independent counsel, Angela Tormey.
If you are a resident of the Florida Panhandle and have a Florida loved one who has died and have questions about Florida probate or you have a child with developmental disabilities who is turning 18 soon and have questions about Florida guardian advocate proceedings, I invited you to connect with affiliated independent counsel, Lauren Merritt (located in Pensacola). Lauren also offers virtual appointments.
I’m curious, have you seen any positive life changes since Covid became our new reality? Sure, many of us are also suffering hardships, or at the very least, inconveniences. But since this is the reality I find myself in, I am choosing to focus on the positive rather than the negative.
You are amazing and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to share my journey with you. And it is my honor and pleasure that you share your journey with me.
Kristen “Even Pandemics Can Have a Silver Lining” Marks
