How are you holding up in these unsettling times? I hope you are well and your loved ones are safe. For those of you suffering from COVID-19, I wish you a speedy recovery.  Socially . . . . . . distant

An Epic Sci-fi Film

These past few weeks have felt like being trapped in an epic sci-fi film. One where the actors wear facial shields and stand six feet apart. Where the bit players don homemade facial masks and loiter at a safe distance. A film the audience watches with their noses pressed up against windowpanes from the safety of their quarantine houses.

This film needs a new director, but I have a feeling we’re stuck with what we’ve got for a while yet.

Anxiety

I still wake in the night feeling anxious. Some mornings—in that fuzzy moment before I’m fully awake—life is the way it used to be. Sadly, the moment dissipates all too quickly and my thoughts turn to pandemic. If only I could socially distance myself from those thoughts.

It’s getting better though. I think the prolonged exposure to this state of uncertainty is desensitizing me somewhat.

But I don’t want to focus on the bad news – there’s plenty of that on the endless news loop. Instead, I want to concentrate on the good things that have come out of it.

Less Air and Noise Pollution

When this is over, I’m hopeful that businesses and schools will continue to work and teach remotely whenever possible. Less commuting saves money all around and means more time to spend with our families.

Appreciating the Quieter Moments

The songbirds sound sweeter. The bleating of new lambs across the road makes me smile. I feel like I can almost hear the grass growing.

Neighbours Checking In

It’s good to be reminded that we need one another even if we must stay socially distant. This pandemic has given us an opportunity to practice compassion and kindness. Neighbours are reaching out and delivering groceries, prescriptions, and parcels. If we didn’t see the need before, we sure do now. I’m equally sure we’ll continue to meet the need when the pandemic passes.

A Shrinking To-do List

With so many public buildings closed and author events postponed or cancelled, I’ve had less “to do” and fewer interruptions. It’s prompted me to investigate new ways of connecting and doing things. I’m using Zoom to stay in touch with distant family and I’m using a grocery shopping service. When this pandemic is beaten down, I may never go back to standing in a grocery store lineup.

I hope you are finding some good in this terrible situation. If you feel up to it, drop a comment below and share your thoughts. We could all use some good vibes right about now.

Stay connected, stay socially distant when you need to go out, and spend your energy on the positive side of this experience.

If you’re looking for an escape, download Secret Sky and spend some time relaxing on Emelynn’s beach. Get your copy from Kindle with one click right here. And if kindle or ebooks aren’t your preference, click on the bookstore tab for other purchase options, or just click on the covers below.