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.
I live in a big city, in a fairly small apartment, with my mother, so lockdown has been not fun, and I know we’re lucky compared to people who’ve been ill and haven’t made it, or others in even more restricted circumstances. But although I acknowledge some of the benefits, mostly for the environment, I am not particularly fond of the ‘new normal’. It’s different to choose to isolate yourself, knowing you have a fair amount of freedom and you can go back to interacting with others when you feel up to it, and to be forced to look with suspicion around you and find it difficult to even do the most basic things. (I was in the middle of completing an intensive course at the time when we went into lockdown in Spain, and it has been complicated to say the least. It has also altered the experience beyond recognition, but, as I said, luckily we’re all well).
I’m happy to hear you are all well. Take care!
Living in a big city must be difficult in a lockdown situation like this. I’m thinking of you, sending my best wishes. Take care of yourself and your mom.
You’re right, there are many things to appreciate about this new way of living. For me, I’m busier than ever because rather than the in-person events, I’m busy writing guest blogs to submit once I find hosts, and I’m also searching for book reviewers, which is swallowing up a fair bit of time lately. I wouldn’t have taken this much time otherwise to work on these things. Also, still working on that urban fantasy every day 🙂
I’m SO looking forward to reading your urban fantasy!
The situation is very specific and very different for different people.
Like you’re saying the to do list is shorter, maybe just a little.
Most people definitely feel like trapped or that something is missing and they’re not free to do whatever they’ d love to.
Lucky me in that regard! I’ve been always like this, practically alone painting, writing, sewing, gardening and similar. I used to be very social back in Europe, here I simply haven’t found any place. You might know that I never got any job in Canada, even though I have 3 Master’s degrees. It’s kind of difficult if one immigrates at almost 50.
I do not feel lonely, upset or restricted because it’s the same. I also do not have any anxiety, fear or extra stress. I think everybody should exercise caution and use common sense. Maybe my medical skills and knowledge help in that regard. We didn’t wait until somebody tells what to do, but took some steps right away.
You probably miss your readers’ events, etc. However, you must have written way more during this lock-down time. There are certainly 2 sides to everything, always.
I think it’s useful people learn what’s really important and what’s just for show-off.
I hope you stay healthy and safe and enjoy spring in the backyard!
I’m glad to hear you’re coping well, Inese. Keep sending out the inspiration. We could use more of that now and always. XO Jo-Anne
I’ve agree that that there are some pluses to social isolation. Where I live, there is far less traffic, which means fewer accidents and therefore fewer sirens. The days and nights feel more peaceful and less noisy. It will be interesting to see how things unfold over the next six months. Right now, I don’t envision people rushing out to do all the things they did before, but I could be wrong. Sure, people listen to Dr. Bonnie Henry in this province, but I think there are a fair number of people who are simply afraid to venture out right now.
I think you’re right. “Normal” won’t look the same after this. It’ll be an interesting transition.
You have such a nice way of expressing your feelings, thanks for the post. I have felt like being in a movie, the first two weeks were the hardest. Then I decided to finish my sequel I did it! “Flight Into The Unknown – Dreaming of Life and Love in Canada” is already available as an e-book at Smashwords.com. A printed version is very difficult since all the publishers claim they have more uploads because their authors have written more! So I have to wait… Nanaimo Magazine will have a real nice write-up in its May magazine with a picture.
We did not suffer too much because of the “house arrest” – it’s just funny never to share the elevator with anybody! Trev goes on his bike rides, I’m the once a week shopper. I’m happily writing… and editing, and writing and editing… and planning the final book of my memoir. “Set Sail for Life After 50!”
So nice to hear from you, Giselle. I’ve been thinking about you and Trevor and wondering how you’re making out with a new book release in the midst of COVID. Glad to hear about Nanaimo Magazine’s coverage. Looking forward to reading about your flight into the unknown.
Good post Jo-Anne! Personally, I love the isolation and appreciate the slower days…. what I don’t finish today, there’s another ‘day off’ tomorrow! Used to be on days off I was a bit of a hermit so this is not a hardship for me. I have stopped obsessing with the World “numbers”, it made me anxious and became too depressing. Same with the News… less is more. I’ve learned to use Zoom and FaceTime to keep face to face contact… ok that makes me sound like a dinosaur, teehee!!
We have been very fortunate and grateful to have friends and neighbours shop for us and deliver to outside our gate. I saw this quote on an unknown post that says it all… “Don’t count the days… make the days count.”
Stay healthy, be safe, take good care… we are all in the same boat!
Love this, Sally. Thanks for the positivity!
Good post, Jo-Anne. What helps me is knowing we’re all in the same boat. There’s comfort in that but God, it’s hard. I’m getting close to finishing my first draft of my fourth novel. Yay! I’m forcing myself to push through. Takes my mind off of the pandemic.
Hugs. Stay well.
Surreal, isn’t it? Glad to hear you’re close to finishing your novel. Can’t wait to read it.
Hi JP.
I’ve been finding that I’m more focused on my writing, I’ve done more in the past two months than all last year. I do miss the grandkids though! I think the 8 month old will be ready for college before I see her again.
Being able to focus on writing amid this mess is a gift. I miss my family too. Zoom’s been fun though – it helps narrow the gap. Thanks for stopping by.