I’ve been feeling a lot of feels and thinking a lot of thoughts. My heart is aching for those who are struggling – who are saddened by cancelled plans, postponed events, or directly impacted by Covid-19 and the coronavirus. I know some of these are things that you have looked forward to, saved for, and may never have another opportunity for. You can be upset, angry, and bitter. I’d say that is completely warranted at this stage. I know many are riddled with worry and unease at the ever changing state of things at the moment. Emotions, they are running high right now, that is no question. It is no doubt that it’s extremely exhausting to not know when “this” will be done and life will resume a sense of normalcy.
But the feelings and thoughts I’ve been having in the past day or so are ones of tremendous joy and compassion. I have seen stories of people getting groceries for at-risk people who can’t leave their homes. I’ve seen businesses offering their services for free to help parents who are homeschooling for the first time. School districts are sending home learning materials for students without internet or computers. Restaurants are offering pick up and delivery service in light of dine in options being shut down. Artists are offering free lessons and concerts online. And people are sharing so many positive and inspiring stories, quotes, and photos. It warms my heart to see how humanity is uniting and supporting others. It restores some of my faith in humanity to see these things.
Then I think how crazy is it that a global pandemic is what brings us together. I can’t say I had the most optimistic outlook on humanity as a whole prior to the last few weeks. I choose to surround myself with good, I follow good on social media, I do my best to not consume negativity, but I knew it was out there. I still know it’s out there. The spread of joy I am seeing now, people taking a pretty crappy situation and finding ways to connect – singing off balconies, sending cards to kids (strangers) who had to cancel parties, sharing resources and gifts, and just generally positive goodness – that is POWERFUL. It is so widespread and it cannot be denied that people are truly uniting in love and compassion.
I hope that this continues… I hope that when we all get through this — because we will (it might not be pretty, but we will) — that people remember this. They remember how important it is to help their neighbors, to have patience with the cashier, to tip the delivery driver well, to send letters, to check in on old friends, to cherish the kids being home, to get creative when you’re missing an ingredient in a recipe… That list could go on and on. I hope that when we get back to the ‘normal’, we remember the perspective we had during the ‘unnormal.’ The little things really do matter.
Okay — enough serious for the moment. I’ve found that I’ve been spending a lot more time on social media this week. I think it’s okay because I’m so selective about what I consume AND I really want to keep spreading the good things! I’m giving myself some grace with that.
I also have a funny story to share. I got bit by the dragon yesterday (I didn’t really know they could bite – or didn’t think about it). Luna (the dog) was harassing him (the dragon, Balthasar), which is not uncommon. He was out of his tank – spending some time sunning in the window. She isn’t usually *too* annoying to him, but we keep an eye out. He decided he wanted to roam around, so he jumped off the sill and oh boy did that get Luna going! He was ANGRY… I tried to intervene – give them some space, calm him down… and I was going to bring him back to his tank (aka safety). Well, as I reached in, CHOMP. I have a cute little mark from his upper jaw and he took out a chunk of skin! I’m totally fine, but it is quite the story.
What challenges are you facing? How’s your week going? Any funny stories with all that is going on related to the changes in your life? Let’s connect! I’d love to hear from you!
xoxo, Gretchen