Just Sayin’

I felt like the world was moving way too fast. I felt like my own life was insanely maxed out. My anxiety had risen to an all-time high because I felt like we, as a family, were just overbooked. I’m certain in my wildest dreams I never saw a pandemic as the way out of the chaos. Then it happened. 

At first, in addition to the fear for my family’s health, I honestly didn’t know what to think. The world as we knew it flipped in the blink of an eye. We went from going 100 miles per hour to slamming on the brakes. As much as I had longed for a break from the norm, this felt so over-the-top out of my comfort zone. I didn’t really know what to do with myself.

I organized everything from my Tupperware to my sock drawer. We played games. I binge watched Breaking Bad. I mopped baseboards on my hands and knees. My kids overdosed on technology. I became their teacher. I lost my mind (ha!). We started taking family walks and bike rides. We started talking, really talking. We were connecting in a much better way than we had before. 

My husband started working from home. We get to eat lunch together every day for as long as that lasts. I started taking charge of my health and fitness. I’m spending less money. I’m not in perpetual motion. I’ve learned how to be still.

I’ve always tried to be a glass-half-full kind of girl. I try to pull positives from every situation life throws my way. I search for gratitude in all things, even the really messy, yucky stuff. There are so many blessings to be found in this strange time.

My family has always meant everything to me. But I felt like we were moving at an unhealthy pace. As a mom, I was missing the little moments because I was constantly rushing everyone around to get here and there and everywhere. 

It’s different now. And as much as I look forward to the day this virus is no longer and the world feels normal again, I hope some things don’t change. I’m good with the slower pace and the return to what truly matters most. Good health and family. They’re everything. ■

Written by Q104 personality: Jenny Matthews

Jenny Matthews was on the air at Mix 93.3 for 15 years and recently moved to Q104 to co-host The Morning Drive with Mike Kellar + Jenny Matthews, 6:00 to 10:00 a.m., Monday through Friday. Check out her podcast, Real Life with Jenny Matthews, follow along with her blog and connect at jennymatthewsonair.com.