Living in the Reset

Like everyone else on the planet, the Covid 19 situation has me on edge. I’m fortunate to have a job that allows me to work from home, but it doesn’t dispel the uncertainty of these times. I know too many people who are suffering right now – from the disease, from fear, and from the economy. It’s super easy to look at the changes and freak out.

I’ve been trying to view this all as a reset. A chance to pause from the everyday chaos and find time to breathe again. The universe is telling humanity to slow down and take time to appreciate all we’ve been given.

Instead of my usual buy and toss mentality, I’ve been forced to think about what I want and to prioritize what I need. I’m cooking more, planning better and eating healthier. Of course, I’m also supplementing my healthy meals with unhealthy snacks because on some level, chocolate and carbs make me feel better. I’ve been trying to continue with my walks which help, but right now it’s yellow car season in Charlotte (super high pollen counts) and I’m afraid people will mistake my allergies for coronavirus.

When the scope of the reset hits me, I worry about my friends, family and neighbors. Knowing my father’s alone in Florida causes me a great deal of stress, but I’m thankful for his friends and neighbors. I considered driving down and staying there until the chaos subsides, but he’s made it clear that’s unacceptable to him. And as things have spiraled downwards and more states have enacted precautions, the opportunity has passed.

I appreciate things far more in the #newnormal. Back in the old days, fully stocked supermarket shelves were taken for granted; I never truly appreciated the effort it takes to make that happen – from farmer and manufacturer to placement on those shelves requires many people and opportunities. One day in the #newnormal, I wanted to make chicken soup and it took three supermarket visits to find the chicken, something I never imagined possible in America. That soup tasted like liquid gold, as I was far more aware of all that was invested in creating it.

We’ve all got a new perspective on life and our expectations. I try to keep a positive attitude, but there are days when that’s exceptionally challenging. I miss my friends and seeing other faces and places. It seems like a lifetime ago that I could step into the supermarket and find everything (and not need to use disinfectant wipes to pick things up and place them in my cart). I realize how challenging it is to be alone in the same four walls day after day. It’s been hard to think about anything other than the crisis, but today, I’m actually writing, which is great for my soul.

Yesterday, I took a tai chi class on Zoom led by my best friend and got to meet her newly found relatives. Friday, I spent an hour on the phone with a good friend who is always very busy. It was our first real conversation in years. Yesterday, my amazing neighbors dropped off a gift of Purell and today, we chatted (from a proper social distance) and laughed together. And I’ve completed three jigsaw puzzles already!

Here in North Carolina we’re dealing with the #newnormal until at least April 29th. I’m trying not to tense up thinking about another thirty days of this and instead focus on the positive changes I’ve made. Before, we all talked so much about mindfulness, and now we’re all living in a time where we need to be very conscious of our actions. Hopefully, this reset will cause us all to appreciate living a slower life.

How have you been holding up in the #newnormal?

Ciao,

Lauren J