Half of my entire universe. ©Lisa Anselmo
For Anything Goes Wednesday I’m doing more of the same. I’m talking about life during lockdown.
Every day is like the day before. I wake up and workout (a little) with my buddy Tammy‘s Instagram videos. Then I make breakfast while video-chatting with my buddy Matthew who is in Tokyo making dinner. I work, have lunch (sometimes), then work some more. At 5 p.m. I take a break in the sun on my teeny balcony. I post my social media. Then dinner and Netflix before bed.
Every movement, every tiny task, is the same. Every. Single. Day.
I do all this inside the same four walls—and I can literally see all four walls of my home from where I’m sitting now. My entire universe is 256 square feet, though I spend most of my day in a quarter of that space, at my kitchen table.
At first, I liked cocooning and having a routine; it helped bring a sense of comfort and structure to my days in confinement. But after more than a month of this, restlessness is setting in.
This morning, as I was changing from my nighttime jammies to my daytime jammies, a thought occurred to me: this sameness, this routine, is reminiscent of the life of a religious hermit. Modest surroundings, simple daily tasks, all creating more mental space for spiritual reflection. The stillness of our lives right now is forcing us to focus on these “insignificant” daily tasks and take care with them. The smallness of our universe is allowing us to expand our inner selves. It’s not easy, this sameness. The monks will tell you that it takes discipline to live like this, to find fulfillment in simplicity and stillness.
If I am restless, the real question is not: How can I add something new? It’s: Why do I need the distraction?
Take a tour of my tiny universe
Subscribe to My (Part-Time) Paris Life: The Series on Youtube.
Get caught up on my diary, here.
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Tip of the day
Are you starting to get anxious and fidgety? Ask yourself what’s at the root of your restlessness? What’s bothering you? You may find that it has very little to do with the “same old, same old” of the world out there, and more about that tiny whisper in your head that you’re trying to drown out with the noise of activity.
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On today’s bookshelf
Same plug, new day. Click image to buy.
My (Parttime) Paris Life 
I love your petit appartement!
Your new kitchen looks great and is excellent use of the space.
Thanks for the tour.
~Joanie
Thank you! I just wish I’d put in an oven. Oh well.
Lisa, great reflection on our simple tasks during our confinement and what it means. Personally I am concerned about the projected re-occurrence of Covid-19 in the Fall and what this “new normal” will mean.
Right there with you. How long will I have to stay in France; when can I go back to the States and see my family? Heavy stuff.
Yes! That must be very difficult for you! Your blogs have been so thoughtful, you should consider writing a book incorporating your diary!
Thank you!
Was it back in 2016 that I read your book My (Part-Time) Paris Life? The entire journey was one that fascinated me; especially living in a smaller condo. Now that you have been publishing your Lock-down in Paris journals, I am once again entertained with you bringing us along into your corner of the Universe. Daily I anticipate the arrival of your email that informs me I am about to be transported to Life in Paris. Thank you for using your experiences, thoughts and words at this time to provide my own escape.
Thank you! So glad you find these posts entertaining!
Lisa – I look forward to your daily posts. Hang in there!
I’m rather sure I’m not going to Paris on May 11th.
Unfortunately. Maybe in the fall?
Thank you for sharing this Lisa and to your friends for sharing their vistas as well. I love your light (I think it was above the table) did you get it from Paris or NY? I try and make it to Paris once or twice a year to go clothes shopping- it’s very easy from London – and I’m wondering if I my (very bad) French is up to household goods as well!
Naomi x
I bought all the furniture for my place here in France. Too costly to ship from the US. The table is Muji. Here is an article you might appreciate about furnishing my Paris place (and learning the French words for things): https://myparttimeparislife.com/2012/10/14/feathering-my-nest/
Thank you Lisa. I do remember reading this before and feeling inspired to do a furnishing shop across the channel! Definitely one to add to the post virus to-do list.
Naomi x
Great!
I love your appartment its perfect so bright and fresh. Nice to see especially after reading your book trying to visualize it. Thank you for this post.
I’ve read your book and what a treat it was today to get a peek inside of your apartment! It’s beautiful! Your daily posts have become part of my “new” daily routine.
I’m so glad! Thank you.
Thank you for your mini video today! I love your apartment. I read your book about buying your apartment and am thinking maybe you can compile your quarantine posts into a book and add how it all turned out when quarantine life is over,
Also, the little tray behind your sink is adorable. I gasped when I saw it because I have a very similar one – bought it when I was studying in Paris my junior year in college in the late ‘70’s!
I love that you have a similar tray. I have no idea where my mom got hers. Not Paris, that’s for sure. 😉
I bought your book recently after reading your daily quarantine posts and I am loving every page. I recognize the mirror that was hung by “Eldin” with the cheville you bought at the Castorama. Thank-you for the much needed distraction!
Oh right! Yes! How fun to see it all, huh?
I love your daily updates, especially this one! Great insights you are having. Also love your black and white color scheme with the red accents. Keep writing and stay well………