This week has given me troubles, in that I want desperately to be positive, but I spend at least part of each day feeling anxious, worried, even weak-legged. COVID-19, and the uncertainty surrounding what seems like everything, has taken a toll on many of us. It seems like bad news is everywhere, and even though I know that there are a lot of really positive, beautiful things happening, and that it took a pandemic to produce this beauty, I still feel overwhelmed at times.

My horoscope earlier this week, on what would have been my mom’s 72nd birthday, I took as a sign: “Don’t settle for less. If you want more, do what’s necessary and don’t complain. Take charge of your life.” This week I find myself reimagining what it looks like to take charge of my life—to work through these moments of anxiousness rather than fighting them; to not be upset by uncertain feelings, but instead to use them to discern what’s truly important to me and ultimately what I want. “Don’t complain” is a little more difficult. Frankly, I rather enjoy complaining.

So before addressing this horoscope to-do list, I have a complaint. Natural Awakenings Charlotte and Claudia Josephine Design are running a contest for people doing home-improvement projects using repurposed materials; the deadline to enter is August 31; and because I am one of the few entrants, at this point it looks like I just might win (scroll down to see entries thus far).

Home Improvement Contest - Repurposed Materials

Natural Awakenings Charlotte and Claudia Josephine Design are sponsoring a Home Improvement contest for readers using repurposed products Read More » 

Don’t get me wrong. I’m quite proud of the cabinet-refacing project I recently completed, I tend to be competitive, and I would really like the grand prize: a virtual interior-paint consultation valued at $225, compliments of Claudia Josephine Design. 

Claudia Josephine Design Offers Virtual Interior Paint Color Consultations

Homeowners can get needed paint color help even at this time of stay-at-home Read More » 

But it really is completely wrong for me to win. So please enter the contest. Taking on a home-improvement project is a great way to channel anxiety and stress, and it gives you a great sense of accomplishment. And if you make a mistake, I’ll bet I’ve made a worse one. I’ll even send you pictures to make you feel better.

Finally, please visit our new AwakeningCharlotte.com to see all our articles; our business directory, calendar events and guest blog; our home-improvement entries thus far and more. For a limited time, you’ll get a 60-minute massage for just $29 when you sign up for our email list.

$29 Massage - Sign Up for Natural Awakenings Charlotte Email List, Home Improvement Contest Extended

Wishing you light at the end of the tunnel, and an amazing home-improvement project along the way this month,

Shannon McKenzie