Discovering Fatherhood

Tag: covid19

  • Reassess and Reset

    I don’t know about you, but when this whole COVID19 thing happened a lot of my routines went out the window. Waking up at 4:30am ended, working out three times a week stopped, going to morning mass was no longer an option. We all were faced with a new situation (like homeschooling) and we adapted. Now, I am looking around at the situation and realizing our family is no longer in crisis mode. 

    I think it is time to reassess and reset. 

    Habits are absolutely foundational. Some folks have said that you are the culmination of your habits. I am definitely a creature of habit and when they get thrown off I am not a happy camper. Thankfully, I can be flexible during times of crisis and adapt. Now that crisis mode has ended (at least for our family) I am coming out on the other side wondering how to reassess our current situation and hit reset on the things that got pushed aside. Inevitably, new habits were created during this pandemic season. As in most crisis situations the adaptation of new habits is acceptable during crisis mode. However, when the crisis is over we need to take the time to reassess where we are and see if this is still the right path to follow. If not then we need to reset.  

    I had a concrete goals that I set for this year that are currently on hold. I read those goals every morning when I get downstairs to pray. The words on the page glare at me almost in a taunting way. There are a few of those goals that I still can’t accomplish due to the shutdown. However, the majority of them I could have done during the initial onset of the crisis and I most certainly can do them right now. The question that I keep asking myself is, “why did I stop following these goals in the first place? And why haven’t I started again?” There are many reasons/excuses I can give, but what is the point of that? We only have today. This moment. Now. To move forward. So I am. 

    What does reassessing and reseting look like? I’ll give you some examples I’ve been pondering:

    Reassessing:

      • I don’t think I ever want to work onsite at a job for more than 3 days a week. I will focus my future job choices on places that will allow that to happen. 
      • I need to have better emergency response strategies for the family in all aspects. 
      • I want our family to continue going on walks after dinner (weather permitting). 
      • Being outdoors is a must everyday (weather permitting).
      • Homeschooling the kids full time. 

    Resetting:

      • Exercise needs to happen. The time of day can vary but it has to happen.
      • Family time must be an absolute priority throughout the day. Not part of the day, or a “to do” on my checklist.  
      • Screen time is going way down for me. I realize more and more that I hate social media and most unnecessary tech. Live and in person is my favorite. 
      • Reading for fun and self improvement needs to re-enter.

    Your list might look something like the above or completely different. My hope and challenge for you guys is to take a look at all that you have experienced during this crazy COVID19 season. Reassess all you are currently doing, and hit reset on those things that need to start up again. 

  • The Blessing of Chaos

    During the chaos of life it can be difficult to see the hidden blessings. What blessings are before us during this chaos of COVID 19 chaos? Will this be a frustrating moment in time, or an opportunity for growth and change?

  • Moving In

    bunk bed

    Amongst this mandated COVID 19 social distancing, we are doing quite the opposite at home. Since we are officially homeschooling due to schools being closed for the remainder of the school year, my wife decided to rearrange the furniture in our children’s toy area. Jess did a great job and we now have a classroom area as well as designated play area. Jess was so inspired that she decided we needed to move more furniture upstairs. “Lets move the girls into the same room.” We had talked about this before so it seemed as good a time as any. 

    Several hours later we moved a bunk bed, a twin bed and rearranged multiple pieces of furniture in the girls former and new room. The outcome was one room with both girls and a guest room/office/future nursery. The nursery part will not be needed anytime soon. 

    The girls were so excited! You would’ve thought we told them we were going to Disney (which is currently closed). Both girls kept coming into the room to sneak peaks at what was going on. They were planning what they would do first when the room was complete. “We can sit and read in the corner” said, Claire. Cecilia wasn’t as excited—it was her room we were rearranging. Once Cecilia saw the big bunk bed her face lit up, “I sleep upstairs?!” Cecilia wants to sleep on the top bunk. Unfortunately, Cecilia can only go up the stairs—like one of those cows kids used to prank school by walking them up the stairs of the school building (I am told cows can’t walk down stairs). 

    Our daughters excitement was really fun to experience. It was nostalgic in some sense. I remembered when my brother and I got bunk beds. Similar emotions and thoughts went through our minds as our parents set the bed up. Here we are now. My wife and I watching our babies take this new step towards becoming big girls. 

    I don’t know if I like it, but I can’t help and smile as I experience this. 

    The paradox of our families joy and children’s excitement in conjunction with the craziness of what is going on in our country and the world does not escape me. Outside people are sick, dying, losing their jobs, businesses are closing and everything in between. At home we are smiling, and enjoying this wonderful moment of two little girls moving in together. 

    There is much to be depressed about right now. Yet, there is so much to be grateful for. So much to smile about. 

  • Working From Home

    COVID 19 has struck and many of us are working from home for the first time. I don’t know about you, but this has definitely been quite the experience for me. Heres a short video on my take so far. Please stay safe!