When will This end?
How will life be transformed?
So many levels of change … I know that I have changed.
On some levels, I have welcomed the opportunity to embrace the hermit in me.
On others, I have also warred with the image I have had of myself that I was a social butterfly.
I really wasn’t either.
I have had to come to terms with those facts. I am neither, and both.
Before Now, I have enjoyed staying home in my jammies as a treat when I have had time off – and thought that I would like more time to do that. I have also coloured myself as a social person with regular nights out and personal connections.
Who am I really? Who am I now?
Hmmmm …. Very Good Question!
The easy answer here would be that this Covid Time has allowed me to find a Balance.
Nope. Not even close. HA!
I have more questions than before!
We all thought that we would:
- work out and get fit
- find ourselves
- explore nature
- eat better
- read more
- explore hobbies
- learn new stuff
Have you done that?? I haven’t.
I feel that I am wasting this ‘Opportunity.” How weird is that? Instead, I think I will look at these strange times as presenting both a challenge and an obligation.
A Challenge to really focus on what is really important in our lives and to go easier on ourselves.
An Obligation to care for others, to step up and to remember that we are all part of a community – our friends and family, our neighbourhood, our City, our Country and Globally.
I am still making plans for all the good things, but, to be honest, my work life hasn’t changed that much. I still don’t have a balance. I still don’t have the ‘free’ time.
Strange Times Indeed. Ideally, these times should:
= Opportunities
= New Adventures
= Introspection
= Give ‘It’ a Try! (‘It’ being any of these things!)
Why the hell not, I say! Do weird stuff! What is Life without Whimsy!
Here are some Covid friendly ideas I have had:
- buy a puzzle
- grow artichokes from scratch (where the hell are the plump artichokes in the stores over the past few years???)
- start an Ant Farm (Hubby contribution, but I really think he wants a bee hive)
- online cooking classes ( … as a good wife I am going to plug my Hubby’s cooking channel here – kimboscomfortkitchen.com and on Youtube – check it out, subscribe – enough and I can retire 🙂 )
- research and save plans for all the great travel ideas you have for when the world stops spinning faster than it should
- learn a new language – Duolingo is free and Awesome!
But, in the meantime … and between time … Be thankful Every Day for having what you have – whatever that is to you.
Health, Spouse, Friends, Family, Pets
Food, Shelter, Clothing
Internet (I know you have this one if you are reading this)
More amorphous … Humour, Optimism, Hope, Love
Bottom line .. appreciate the ones you have. Strive for the ones you want and don’t have. Be Thankful.
All good.
Well said as usual Linda!
Thank you, Jeremy … I haven’t posted in a while – I actually have three or four ready but no time!
Loved reading this piece as always Linda…. My question is where does the time go??? This started in March… Now we are almost in December How did that happen???…. I truly have learned to be ‘patient’ during this Pandemic, which is a good thing….
I know! Can you believe how fast time is going? Seems like yesterday it was Y2K! 🙂
I can say that when Covid began last March and we were in Florida I began to work out every afternoon at my brother’s across the street with my Mother in tow. Our bubble consisted of him and his girlfriend who was staying with him. I got in shape physically and mentally. Now that we are back in the country house in Quebec I try to get on the water rower a few times a week and use my bands. But life here in a big house and looking after two parents is expressly busy and goes by fast. It’s the same daily routine. Breathe deeply is what I try to do often to keep sane. I must find time to get on the. Water Rower often. I know from experience it helps me breathe deeply and get through these still isolated times and parents who have turned into children. We are blessed to have them here at 94 and 96. I drink less, cook more,, use my body more and think more, and have come to know me more. Trying to find the blessings with Covid. What else can we do?
You are inspiring me! Good for you for the dedication.
Your latest piece arrived at an opportune time. I’m on deadline for my monthly community newsletter column & another column I do quarterly for a tourist guide. To say the last nine months have been a creative challenge is a gross understatement! Your thoughtful ideas have given me ideas – all except the ant farm! (Interestingly, Hoot has considered bees, too.)
Thanks for another provocative entry – great job!
Thanks, Mary – I’m hoping to learn from this experience at the very least.
This was great, Linda. Thanks for posting!
Thanks, Christine – Strange Times indeed!
Well said Linda.❤️
Cheer’s to us all keeping healthy & strong.
Agreed, my friend.