Mid Pandemic Life Reset

Safer At Home Reset:

Many of us viewed our “safer at home” experience as a reset, an opportunity to look at our lives and reconsider our priorities and how we spend our time.  Many of us have found serenity  in a simpler, less hectic lifestyle and have enjoyed spending more time at home. But we do miss our friends, and going out.  At least I know I do.  I miss my favorite restaurants, some of which are still closed or don’t have outdoor seating. I also miss seeing our friends and getting lunch or enjoying a spa day with one of my gal pals.

Our “safer at home” experience also reminded me not to take things for granted, and to realize how special and wonderful going out to eat, walking at the park or spending time with friends really is, so it may surprise you to know that I have only visited in person with one friend since “re-opening” in early May. 

Hard decisions:

Although I am an introvert, I have many, many extrovert friends.  They know how to make people feel at home, are great at bringing people together and are good at creating warm memories.  I miss getting together with them, but when I consider getting together with anyone, I think about how social they are and their likelihood of having been exposed without knowing.

I also consider differing mindsets.  While I love my friends, I know that we don’t all share the same beliefs around social distancing and mask wearing, and for that reason, I haven’t arranged to get together with those people in person.  I enjoy them online, but for now, I am choosing to keep my physical distance.

Its pretty easy for me since my daughter is here with us, and I live in my own little bubble.  But I have many friends who are struggling on this account because they want to see family, but know that their family has not been practicing social distancing.  Social pressure is uncomfortable, especially when our loved ones are at the center and we really do want to see them.

In my view, it’s just a matter of time for those circulating socially, to contract Covid, especially when drinking is involved.  I would also be concerned about children visiting other families, attending parties and such.  I completely appreciate parties and social gatherings, don’t get me wrong. Though I don’t drink, I used to and know how easy it is to let one’s guard down, especially under pressure.

I feel that if someone really loves or cares for you, they will be supportive and understanding of your concerns and find thoughtful ways to work around them, such as adding a zoom call to the party, or sending pictures and a basket of food to help you be a part without your physically being there.

It’s interesting: when a hurricane is coming, people work together before and after to secure property and make sure their loved ones are safe. Not so with this pandemic. Some people are cautious and are concerned about the spread, while others are simply not. This divide is sad, and it means we are each on our own in making decisions as to what is best for our health and our lives. So, in stepping up and taking personal responsibility for myself and my family, I choose to wear a mask, and to choose carefully where I go and who I spend time with.

Granted, we are getting much better at treating Covid, and the more time that goes by, the better things will be. Plus, if I work on my health, fingers crossed, if I get it, perhaps I will have a better shot at fighting it off. I am using this time to enhance my health as much as possible.

Types of social events that can work:

When I consider getting together, I think of the types of activities that might work.  Certainly anything that involves close, indoor activities would be a no-go for me.  But most outdoor activities are a good option for getting together with family and friends, (though it’s way to hot for that here and will be for several months).  So picnics, cookouts going out for walks in open areas would be an easier “yes” from me, with like minded people.

I found this Covid risk chart this morning and thought I’d add it to this post because it gives some guidance as to activities that might be “safer” and somethings to steer away from especially if you have health concerns. Click the chart or the link below it to see it in full.

Click here to see the full chart

If you are struggling with all that is going on right now, I wanted to share this resource with you:

Sometimes, we need help working our way through various issues in our lives. I have turned to therapy several times along my path to healing. Recently, I learned about Better Help, an online non-emergency mental health program that pairs you with an online therapist. It’s completely confidential and because it’s all done online you don’t have to worry about going in for an appointment. Click HERE for more information. *this is an affiliate link

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