posted on April 1, 2020 by Victoria James

How to find Joy in Uncertain Times

Hi friends,

It’s been quite a few weeks hasn’t it? I hope wherever you are in the world, you and your loved ones are safe and healthy. I’m writing this on March 24th and realize that when this blog gets published, things may have changed drastically. But here’s a little recap of where we’re at right now .

We are all well at our house. The last two weeks seem to be one big blur, with the news coming in fast and furious. Anxiety and worry were very high and I struggled to maintain calm and focused. I wasn’t very successful last week. But, having kids in the house also meant that I DID have to remain calm and collected (at least in front of them!).

This week has been a little different. Though the anxiety and worry are still there, I’m able to process it all a little easier. Maybe it’s because this is the new normal for now and we’re adjusting. Everything where we are is closed down and we’re only leaving the house once a week to get groceries for us and for my parents. Our kids have just received lesson plans from school for the next two weeks so I’ll be organizing that and getting them on a new routine for homeschooling. The weather isn’t quite warm out (we live about an hour away from Toronto) but it’s warm enough for the kids to play outside.

Here are the top 5 things I’m doing to stay calm and happy (as possible!). I hope that you might be able to use a couple of them if you’re in need of some ideas!

  • Waking up before my kids. I used to do this all the time, but last week everything got derailed. I was staying up to watch the news and then didn’t sleep well and ended up sleeping in. I was waking up groggy and stressed. This week I’m making a conscious effort to set my alarm and get up. I have my coffee in silence and read a devotional. This makes me feel very grounded and ready to start my day.
  • Get fresh air and get a workout in. It doesn’t have to be intense. This isn’t the time for me to add even more pressure. Did I walk? Good enough. Was my mood lifted? Then great, mission accomplished.
  • Check in with my parents. This is actually happening three times a day on average, LOL. They were the cause of my biggest anxiety because they are in a high risk group being 85 and 75. We also have a lot of family in Italy and my parents were calling relatives daily to check in on them. Thankfully, everyone is scared but okay.
  • Limit the news. I don’t need to check in every hour. And I certainly don’t need to watch it right before bed!
  • Do things I did before the Pandemic….check in with my planner, with my story, my friends, find joy in the simple things-like a fantastic cup of coffee in my favorite mug. Have Monopoly night with the kids-with treats! Enjoy movie night with the kids. Bake. Read anything with a guaranteed happily-ever-after, which is always delivered in a Romance J. In my newest release both my main characters have survived really tough times and it’s made them stronger and braver and I think it’s a great reminder during difficult times!

This too shall pass, even though some days it may not feel like it. In the meantime, we can be a source of comfort to others and to ourselves. I’m choosing to look for the good news stories and focus on those and be grateful for everything. I hope you and your family stay safe and healthy and that you can find still find joy in these uncertain times!

One person who comments will win a digital copy of The Trouble with Cowboys and a $10 Amazon gift card.

______________________________________________________

COWBOY FOR HIRE

When a shy woman inherits a ranch, she’ll have to find an inner strength to succeed—and open herself up to love—in this heartwarming novel from New York Times bestselling author Victoria James.

Sarah Turner has led a very sheltered life. So when her parents pass away tragically, suddenly she’s left in charge of the family ranch with little know-how but plenty of will to keep it afloat. Determined not to lose her parents’ legacy or her newfound independence, she needs a hero fast—not to save her, but to show her how to save herself. But she’s unprepared for the ruggedly handsome cowboy who answers her ad.

“Cowboy for Hire,” the ad said, and Cade Walker is quick to respond. Betrayed as ranch manager by his former boss, he’s looking for a new place to put down roots—without the pressure to prove himself again. Except when he meets his new boss, it’s clear he’s not only there to run a ranch but to also teach Miss Independent how to run it. But as they struggle to make the ranch flourish, they’ll both need courage if they hope to find a family…together

 

 

Victoria James

Victoria James

I always knew I wanted to be a writer and in grade five, I penned my first story, bound it (with staples) and a cardboard cover and did all the illustrations myself (if you’ve ever seen my drawings you’ll know how horrible they must have been. I still draw stick figures). Luckily, this book will never see the light of day again. In high school I fell in love with historical romance and then contemporary romance. After graduating University with an English Literature degree, I married my own hero, pursued a degree in Interior Design and then opened my own business. After the birth of our first child, I knew it was time to fulfill the dream of writing romantic fiction. I’m a hopeless romantic who is living my dream, penning happily-ever-after’s for my characters in between managing kids and the family business. Writing on a laptop in the middle of the country in a rambling old Victorian house would be ideal, but I’m quite content living in suburbia with my husband, our two young children, and very bad cat. I’d love to hear from you! Always feel free to connect with me via email, Twitter, or Facebook.

http://www.victoriajames.ca

3 thoughts on “How to find Joy in Uncertain Times”

  1. bn100 says:

    interesting ideas

  2. flchen1 says:

    Great suggestions, Victoria, and I agree with you. Even before this, I limited my exposure to news, not to remain ignorant, but so that I wouldn’t get caught up in being anxious about so much that I cannot personally impact. We’ve been trying to get outside for some fresh air every day, and it helps so much to be able to just breathe! Best wishes to you and yours!

  3. Mary Young says:

    Self care is so important. Hope you and your loved ones all remain safe.

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