We tend to live with the people (and animals) we do because we made a choice; I suspect it was not, however, a fully informed one.
We signed up to live a happily ever “normal life” — that is not quite the same as living for what seems like eternity with someone who is counting out squares of toilet paper and watching some strange tiger show on Netflix.
We are required to face this crisis under conditions that are not ideal for facing a crisis.
How does that even work? Do we just take turns being the calm and supportive presence for each other?!
The “How to Have a Happy Family” book left out the chapter about being quarantined in a 900-square-foot apartment with two toddlers, off-the-chart worry — and a work-from-home job.
The truth is that we are all just making this up as we go.
I am a fan of being intentional and mindful. This means I try to be very aware of my experiences and emotions. These days I am paying close attention to reactions that might be less about this minor irritation and more about that whole pandemic thing looming outside my door.
Being mindful and self-awareness also means — to me — understanding that emotions and reactions tend towards global, and are not usually specific to one thing. If one is anxious about Covid-19 (and who isn’t?!), for example, that anxiety will permeate all aspects of life and not just turn on when one thinks about Covid-19.
Expect to be touchy.
Expect to be anxious.
Expect to have all the emotions close to the surface at one time or another — or all the time.
Expect BIG reactions for things that ordinarily would be “meh.”
Normal.
Because of all that, this is not the time to decide about anything big in your life — like divorce. [FYI — you cannot actually divorce your children.]
This is a time to sit tight, stay the course, and just take one day at a time — or even just one hour at a time.
It is a time to practice every ounce of patience you have — with yourself and your fellow viral prisoner(s).
Today is also an excellent day to rest your mind on this wonderful woman who is celebrating her birthday without the benefit of a family party.
There is a lot we can’t do — that is true. But not even a pandemic can take away your birthday!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DORIS!