It’s like the world’s been given a giant time-out. New sayings are popping up – “self-isolating”, “elbow bump”, and “social distancing” – that would’ve confused us even a few weeks ago. A little green plant in my living room is the last thing I bought before shopping became an anxious, Purell-driven event. And yet good things have come from this awful pandemic. Here are mine. What are yours?
Italians – They sing from balconies and dance and play the accordions and violins. I’m sure not everyone in their country feels this “amore della vita,” but there’ something uplifting in seeing and hearing the human spirit. If I lived in those apartment buildings of Rome, Sienna, and Milan, the music of other humans would bring comfort. “You’re not alone,” they seem to say. “We’re in this together. Life is still worth living.” Sometimes it takes courage to be happy.
Small kindnesses – I was getting my hair cut the other day (Sigh. Our governor just shuttered salons and barbers). My hairdresser had said she was in the grocery store, stocking up on juice boxes for her grandchildren. “I was tempted to take them all,” she said. “But decided to leave some for others.” I’ve noticed strangers talking to each other more (and yes, a safe distance apart). A slight head shake or weary smile is immediately understood. “Stay healthy” is the new goodbye. In a funny way, Covid-19 has brought out our shared humanity. We need each other after all.
An Introvert’s Fantasy – Wait. I’m being “ordered” to stay home? I must spend my days reading and writing and walking around my back yard? Yes! At the same time, I feel bad for extrovert pals who have to curtail that hard drive to go out and mingle. Many are using their considerable energy for assembling furniture, arranging shelves, and painting their kitchens…and bathrooms… and garages. Since I’ve always felt safest and happiest at home (and don’t know how to assemble furniture) this part comes easy.
Life goes on, at least in nature – The coronavirus may have stopped humans, but it can’t stop Mother Nature. Spring’s here with its birdsong and green crocus shoots, and lilac bush buds. The light is stronger. The trees in Connecticut are coming to life. If all this had to happen, I’m grateful we’re not driving into the dark tunnel of winter. Instead, we’re heading into the most beautiful, hopeful time of year. Somehow things are more bearable. Amid this craziness, we’re surrounded by burgeoning new life.
What an amazing world we live in – It’s not till they’re taken away –movies, coffee shops, museums, concerts, travel, restaurants, baseball, theater – that we see how lucky we were, and hopefully will be again someday. Can you imagine sitting in a restaurant and just, well… sitting in a restaurant? Or seeing a Broadway matinee? Or even just going to the local movie? It now feels so rich and opulent, our world in all its choice and splendor and abundance. How lucky we were and didn’t know it.
Undying Respect for Medical Professionals – I thought my admiration for these people couldn’t be higher, but it creaked up another notch. Health workers are the unsung heroes of our age, and maybe every age. Especially today, they’re doing their jobs under the highest risk, on the front line of a war with an enemy they can’t see. I’d do better piloting a 747 than performing any medical task. I can’t thank them enough.
In the end, the coronavirus forced a giant social experiment on us that knows no geographical, racial, ethnic, or religious lines. If you’re an earthling, you’re in. We can’t fight our way out of this or boycott it or ghost it on social media. We’re going to have to think our way out.
And yes, not knowing is the hardest and scariest part. Is this the beginning of some dystopian future? Or will we get through these “sheltering in place” times and go on with our lives? Or will there be something in between, another reality we can’t imagine yet?
I keep looking at that little green plant, a reminder of a way of life I took for granted. How fast things change, how quickly they can be snatched away.
But we’ve already stepped through the looking glass. There’s no turning back. Someday we’ll meet on the other side… older, wiser, and hopefully better.
What are your thoughts? Comments are always welcome and if you like, please share.
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Bonnie K. Aldinger
Yes, yes, yes. I’m loving the flowers this year more than I think I ever did before, and when I went out for a post-work-from-home run last night there were a lot of people out enjoying the fresh air, and people were still New Yorkers but there was a friendly “look at us all together in this strange thing” atmosphere out there.
I’m not enjoying it (although as a low-lever introvert I’m also fine so far with the working from home) but New York does generally come together well in times of crisis, and that definitely is a silver lining.
Laurie Stone
Bonnie, To see the streets of NYC so quiet is chilling. Never seen that in my lifetime, but love the “we’re in this together” vibe as we all get out into the air.
Lea Sylvestro
A wonderful, hopeful piece Laurie. Like you, I’m fortunate to be happy at home, unable to get to the many projects that call to me. Also, I’ve been having a lot of “phone visits” – keeping up with people, some of whom I haven’t spoken to in ages. We are so fortunate to live when we do and still have plenty of ways to stay in touch. And you’re right – other than today, Nature has been trying her best to cheer us – despite our abuses of her! – with gorgeous days, daffodils, and birdsong! Big hugs to you! XO
Laurie Stone
Lea, Yes, nature is trying to cheer us up! Love that. Getting very good on ZOOM and using it now for workshops, family and friend visits, etc. If we’re going through this, we’re lucky to have all this technology to keep in touch.
Roxanne Jones
What a lovely reminder of all that we have to be thankful for during this extraordinary time. As a fellow introvert–like you–I’m perfectly happy to practice social distancing! And the small kindnesses we’re privileged to witness–or bestow–help us keep our humanity muscle in shape. Lovely post, Laurie!
Laurie Stone
Roxanne, Thanks so much! Yes, I think our humanity muscles are getting a good workout!
Diane
Ohmyword, yes!
I love the ‘caremongering’ I’m seeing! Shared troubles bring out the best (and sometimes worst) in people. I love it when I get to see the best!
It’s actually warming up here today. Things may even start to melt! Hurray!
Spring always cheers me up! We DO live in an amazing world!
And I am on my knees grateful to the medical personnel who stand between me and . . . it.
Laurie Stone
Diane, Times like these bring out the best in people, including resourcefulness. I think over the next few months we’ll see that more and more.
Diane
It sure seems to sort us into one camp or another, doesn’t it, Laurie?
A family here in town put a huge banner up on their fence that said: ‘We’re going to be all right!’ Their kids had painted and decorated it. It was such a cheerful, happy sight. Beside it, they had hung a placard encouraging all of us to sign our names, complete with pen to do so.
This morning when the kids dashed outside to see how many names they had collected, they discovered someone had torn down the sign and made off with it. The kids were beyond heart-broken.
Later, someone discovered it just thrown away in the street. It is back where it belongs now.
How encouraged I am by the thoughtfulness. And discouraged by the hate.
But thoughtfulness wins!
Laurie Stone
Diane, Truly shocking that someone would do that. They’d try and take away everyone else’s hope and happiness. But in the end, as you said, the thoughtful win. They always do.
Antionette Blake
It’s ridiculous – information overload – but we are doing well and pray it’s the same for you and your family.
Keep everyone in prayer and remember, “this too shall pass”.
Laurie Stone
Antoinette, Thanks so much. All the best to you and yours too!
Jennie Williams
I keep having epiphanies!
1) I don’t feel I stand out so much being highly sensitive. I already stop breathing when walking past people in the street worried about smoke and perfume. I already stand outside shops looking shifty whilst my husband is shopping because I don’t like the flourescent lights or colours or smells. Now I suddenly feel that I integrate better because everyone is looking socially awkward – not just me!
2) I have realised I can cope a bit better with threat to my security than I thought I could. When I found all supermarket delivery slots booked for the next 3 weeks I freaked out. I paid a premium to buy bottled water and green and blacks chocolate from any source I could find. I then started to calm down but this leads to number 3)
3) I managed to book a weekly delivery slot with my usual supermarket until some time in June! I then had a crisis of conscience, worried that I had taken other people’s slots. I have a super sensitive gut and my 12 year son is small for his age and has only just started eating properly. I fought for my own. I have told some neighbours about my slot so they can helpfully benefit. And now I have to be happy with myself and my choices.
4) I have my own journey talking to God and living by faith. This crisis is really testing my mettle. I know I have to act for the good of the community but I feel strongly that as a family we mustn’t pull up our draw bridge. Someone came in to put in a smart metre yesterday and I was bristling all the time he was here! Our supermarket delivered food last night and I was listening to the conversation in the kitchen and wondering where people were standing! Tomorrow I have a new voice student coming to the house. In my heart I know it is right. We need to be in touch with our voices. It is the core of who we are. It should be a medical prescription . . . and that is all I know.
So . . . these are my epiphanies. Thank you for listening!
Laurie Stone
Jennie, You’re not alone and what a beautiful list of epiphanies. I love them all. We’re all navigating through this strange time. We have very few (if any) non-family members come through our home any more. Very strange times, indeed.
Jennie Williams
Yes, I don’t have to put myself at risk to prove my faith. I am learning my lessons slowly! Faith just ‘is’ We’re a bit slow to really lock down in the UK. Don’t like following rules! But now lock down has started for us and I feel a sort of relief.
Laurie Stone
Jennie, Here in Connecticut, we’re right outside of New York, supposedly the most infected part of the country. I also feel relief at lockdown. We don’t have to try and outguess this thing. Good luck to you and yours! Stay safe and healthy.
Randi Mazzella
It’s true – this has been a week of introspection for all of us. I just hope like you that some lasting good comes out of this. Right now I am seeing a lot of fear and panic and some unkindness stemming from the uncertainty – we need to remember we are all in this together and take care of ourselves and each other
Laurie Stone
Randi, Great points. You see the best and the worst during these times, but somehow the best keeps tipping the scales. I also hope and expect some lasting good to come from this. Already our planet is taking a pollution and noise break. For that, I’m thankful.
How Boomers are finding ways to cope with our strange new world - Carol Cassara
[…] became an anxious, Purell-driven event. And yet good things have come from this awful pandemic. Here are hers. What are […]
Laurie Stone
Thank you, Carol!
Carol Cassara
We are finding new ways to interact with each other. I don’t think life will ever go back to how it was, but this enforced slowdown has its positive. May all stay safe.
Laurie Stone
Carol, I agree. The longer it goes on (and I think it will go on a long time) the more adapted we’ll become to a new way of life, one we can’t even see yet. In some ways, it’s exciting. It’s also scary.
Rebecca Forstadt Olkowski
You’re so right about giving recognition to health care workers. They’re putting their lives on the line and working long hard hours. We need to grateful and make sure they have everything they need.
Laurie Stone
Rebecca, It kills me to hear them plead for more supplies. I want to help them, but don’t know how!
Paula Kiger
*Such* a crazy time. Even this introvert is crazing some hugs from strangers.
Laurie Stone
Paula, I find the same thing. I’m happy to have a “people break.” But now find I miss them!
Paula kiger
*craving LOL
Laurie Stone
LOL! I get it.
Margaret Vandergriff
What a great post! It’s so true that we never appreciate just how much we have until it’s snatched away. Maybe the scariest part of all this is what our world is going to look like after the health crisis ends.
Laurie Stone
Margaret, That’s the million dollar question, very hard to imagine what will be the aftermath. I’m sure there will be some bad, but also good. Hope mostly good!