-Grace-

Hello TORQUE family, how I miss you so. There really are not the proper words to describe just how all of this feels. I know it is not easy to express or say, but I am confident we all feel it. Whether you have been here from the start or joined us a week before the shutdown, you know the love and life that this studio gives and right now we could all use it. This pandemic is nothing short of an obstacle. Each day we are faced with new things. New challenges to face. New hats to wear. New emotions to sort. It is all still new in a sense even though it has become our normal. I don’t think this will ever fully settle within our souls as normal and sorting out those feelings is just part of the battle. I’ve been reminding myself of one word through all of this. I’ve been praying, hoping, wishing, to whoever you believe it to give me this. Through all of this, we must give ourselves grace, it’s the only way we will carry on. 

So what does that even mean. How do we “give ourselves grace”. Well, the saying in and of itself means to give the kindness and love that you need and deserve. It’s far from easy and is definitely a work in progress, but I think right now it is one of our only choices. But how? How do we do this?? Unfortunately, amazon doesn’t sell this. And target (RIP) is in the same boat. We find grace in forgiveness, patience, and love. Stay with me as I explain. 

Forgiveness. It’s one of the hardest things to do. To let go of feelings. To let go of pain. To let go of frustration. All of it is so hard, but so necessary. When we forgive our significant others, our colleagues, our families, and more importantly ourselves, that is when we feel and find grace. If you miss a workout, forgive yourself. If you are frustrated with a co worker, forgive yourself. If you lash out on the kids, forgive yourself. There is no how to on any of this. But  it important to remember that our frustrations and our anger is not worth our health and happiness. It is not going to steal anymore of this normalcy. When we forgive, we find peace. Something we all need right now. 

Patience. It’s a virtue we practice everyday. Not an easy one, but an essential one. Be patient with yourself. Finding grace is not going to happen over night. It will not work the first time. And it will be a roller coaster of a ride. But patience will get your through. In times of stress and worry...close your eyes, count to 10, then access the situation. Don’t make permanent decisions on temporary feelings. Be patient and let yourself be okay with that. 

Love. The answer to all things. The most essential of them all. Hold those babies tight. Do tik toks with your teenagers. Let them pick the movie because you always get to pick. Cook his/her favorite meal. Send the text. Make the call. Go the extra mile this time. Act with love and your life will shine. Love hard. Love daily. Love strong. Love together. Love apart. Whatever you do, do it with love and your life will be full. If you lay down at night and have a beating heart and a house full of love, you’ve done good for that day. Remember that, today, tomorrow, and always. 

Come on this journey of grace with me. Let’s fill this stressful and uncertain time with forgiveness, patience, and love. And as we do, watch as it blooms into the most beautiful adventure you could have ever embarked on. It will be wholesome. It will be fulfilling. And most importantly, it will be yours. Give yourself some grace today, even if it’s for a second. I promise you it will go a long way. 

All my love to you all no matter where you may be, 

Caroline