This social distancing has definitely been the catalyst for many things- and everytime I log onto social media or the news, I feel like it’s all bad. How about some good?

Honestly- my little family has thrived during this experience. A small part of me feels a little guilty for saying that, because I know this has been a financially, mentally, and emotionally trying time for many others. And I definitely sympathize for those who have been struggling. I’ve definitely had some harder days myself. It’s not all been roses and unicorns ;).

But I want to focus on the good! Can I share with you some of the good things that have happened for my little family during this quarantine?

1. My 11 month old is FINALLY sleeping in his bed!! For naps and for bedtime, his whole life he has literally had to be sleeping right next to me, and some nights he would only be content when lying right on my chest! With the world slowing down, I finally had the time and mental energy to gently sleep train him, and HE IS SLEEPING IN HIS BED. I’m pretty excited if you couldn’t tell ;). I still snuggle him for some naps because they only stay little for so long- but when I need to spend time with my 4 other children or my husband, it sure is nice to have my baby in his bed!
   
   


2. My husband built these beautiful garden boxes! My hubby is a big DIY-er, but he’s always so busy serving the young men in our community, helping his parents, running errands, etc. He’s had tons of extra time, and he was able to complete these boxes he’s been dreaming about for awhile. We put up fence posts for our garden area, took 2 huge loads of junk to the dump, and our yard is looking more and more finished. It’s definitely an exciting feeling!
   
   
3. We are cooking more. Way more! And not just simple meals like boxed mac n’ cheese because we’re trying to avoid take-out. We’ve been supporting the local businesses that we can, but because we’re not busy rushing to other people’s homes or to run errands, we’ve had more time to experiment and try new recipes and it’s been so much fun! We’ve actually even started a new cooking tradition as a family, and 6 weeks in, I think it’s going to stick!
   
   
4. I’ve gotten to know myself a little better. Having this unique experience has taught me many things, but it’s also really helped me understand myself better. I truly am an introvert. I can be social, and I cherish those relationships- but I definitely need time to recharge. I also just have a low-energy personality. I don’t do well mentally and emotionally when I’m just running and running. I need to pace myself, and keep myself from being overbooked. And that doesn’t make me less valuable or capable than others, it’s just who I am!
   
   
5. I’ve gotten so many organizing projects done! I’ve scanned books into my phone so I can keep track of them, re-organized my closet, cleaned every nook and cranny of my kids’ rooms, cleaned out our homeschool/game closet, we’ve gotten our garage reorganized- my house has never looked better! (Well, for the 2.7 seconds it will last… because 5 kids are definitely a force to be reckoned with ;). But I wouldn’t trade them for anything!).
   
   
6. We’ve had time to heal. We’ve had a few doctor’s visits that have given us answers we really needed and given us direction for the road ahead!
   
   

This was a little more personal article- but I hope it was an uplifting one! The world can seem so dark and dreary- but there really is so much good to be found! We just have to look for the good- and BE the good.

I’d love to hear about the happy and good things you’ve gained during this social distancing experience! Comment with some happy things below!