The world has become increasingly self-sufficient since the beginning of Covid-19.
Those who used their ovens for storage have learned to bake bread. Others dusted off sewing machines to make masks.

When household cleaners were absent on the store shelves, people concocted their own.

And check out instructions for reusable/washable toilet paper!
During Zoom meetings, I’ve watched my colleague’s hair turn an attractive shade of gray. Besides saving money, she is loving her new carefree natural look!
Facebook is filled with people tackling remodeling jobs they would have normally trusted to professionals. YouTube videos are making “experts” of us all.
For most people, the pandemic has drastically altered daily routines.
Mine—not so much.
Before DIY was a popular acronym, it was my way of life. I cooked family meals from scratch. Eating out was saved for special occasions.


I sewed matching clothing.
I still cut my own hair and manicure my nails. (Maybe not the best idea!) And I workout at home with weights and a yoga mat.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m heartbroken that neighborhood restaurants, hair salons, and gyms are suffering or closing because of Covid. The DIY skills we learned were born out of necessity—a temporary substitute for the beloved services lost. Humans and their touch are missed the most—the favorite waitress who knows your order (and calls you “Hun”)—the barber who tames your son’s cowlick while listening to the details of his first home run—or the personal trainer who pushes and prods your body to a limit you could never achieve at home . . . alone.
DIY is not for everyone. Nor should it be for every-thing. I say this as I listen to the lawn mower outside my window. We haven’t mowed our own lawn for over a decade. So thankful for skilled workers in the service industry!
What has Covid inspired (or forced) you to DIY?
Since we live a pretty simple lifestyle and doing diy projects is a big part of it, I can’t say that much has changed. What has changed because of COVID is that we actually order more takeout than normal, choosing to order from struggling locally owned restaurants. Also, because of the drop in giving to Christian based organizations (because of loss of jobs), we have doubled our efforts to support the ministries we love. We will continue to DIY, in order to assist those who are sharing Christ in giving love and support to those who are hurting.
As we isolate ourselves, we often forget there are many ways to reach out a helping hand to others. Thanks for the reminder!🖐🏻
I use the exact same floor cleaner! In fact, I use it for general cleaning throughout the house. I just leave out the essential oils due to the cats (can be harmful to them). I’m a hit and miss diy’er. I wish I was more of a handy-type.
I’m back to coloring my own hair (gray does not suit my skin color) since COVID. For Thanksgiving I’m going to try my hand at roasting Cornish hens for the first time.
Thanks for the tip! I’m going to start using the homemade cleaner for more than floors. And good luck on the Cornish hens.😀
I built a dollhouse. Not the most necessary thing, but definitely a wonderful experience. And any kid coming to my house likes it too. And I used a sewing machine to make a mask. Now to make bread! And paint portraits. And write. Hey, I think I need another quarantine.
But I miss your hugs.
The dollhouse sounds like the best DIY project so far! I’m sure it lifted your spirits during Covid. Way more fun than making masks. 😷 I miss your hugs too, my friend.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Hope you had a wonderful day. Thankful for your friendship. (and leftover turkey!)