No doubt these are uncertain times. Most of us have never witnessed anything like what we’re experiencing. Sure, we’ve read books about wartime rationing or heard stories from grandparents, but it was always something that happened in another time.
Now, we’re faced with bare supermarket shelves, limited store hours, availability based on your last name, without gyms, restaurants, and other social events to fill our days. I’ve seen countless posts about being locked in our houses, afraid to be in contact with other people, and fear of contracting a potentially deadly virus.
While all of that is the reality in which we live, focusing solely on that is robbing us of something else we all have: time and opportunity.
You’ll never get back the hours you have today. Don’t live in fear. Instead, look for joy. Learn how to live without your face buried in technology and with access to everyone’s thoughts. For my Gen X peers – we grew up in the 70s and 80s. We’ve done this before.
We spent our time largely disconnected. Our families and neighborhood friends were how social networks happened. Evenings were spent playing cards, reading, watching television together. We didn’t run to the supermarket every day. We went for a weekly shop. We bought what we needed, never less, never more.
We learned to cook, sew, change the car oil, skateboard and other things. We rode bikes together and dispersed to our own homes after a few laps around the block. We sat in the backyard with lemonade and cookies.
It was simple times. It was the best of times.
While it’s hard not to focus on the changing world around us, try disconnecting a bit. Put your phone down. Turn on music or a podcast. Open a book. Clean a closet. Do a home repair. Pick up cross-stitch, crochet or knitting. Call a friend and take a walk in the neighborhood. Take a nap.
It’ll be OK.
If you’re still worried, concerned and scared by what you’re experiencing, you’re not alone. Reach out if you need some support.
