pandemic

Reclaiming the Ordinary in Extra-Ordinary Times

Ordinary time does not seem remarkable until it takes a vacation. While I am always on the outlook for the fun and sparkle, there is a certain satisfaction found in the ordinary joys of everyday life.

Many of us are struggling to regain the sense that we are standing on solid ground. Sometimes we just want to feel like a competent person. This quarantine makes you feel like anything other than competent.

Y’all know, there is no right way to navigate a pandemic. All of us are new to this, so no matter how many tears have been shed, you should be filling in your sticker chart with sparkly gold stars on a daily basis. In fact, you should give yourself a pat on the back if you’ve made it out of your pj’s at least once this week.

But what do we do after the gold stars and self-hugs? What do we do when what used to feel comforting is no longer holding up its end of the bargain?

There Is No Perfect Way to Navigate a Pandemic

My kitchen transformed from a silent haven into Grand Central Station in the blink of an eye. As I write these words, my husband is on a business call, the dog is barking, and someone has wandered in wondering what is for breakfast.

My first instinct is to respond to the disruptions with a snappy comment and a cold shoulder. I want to banish everyone to their assigned corner of the house. Having people around 24/7 tests my patience in ways I had not anticipated and am a little embarrassed to admit. Holding my tongue takes effort and not wearing my emotions on my sleeve is exhausting.

Are you experiencing the same thing?

Filling Your Empty Calendar

When life is uncertain, it is tempting to try to wrestle other people into submission. This is not a life-giving strategy when we must remain with them in close quarters. This virus has me rethinking how I spend my time when it feels like there are no adults in the room.*

Moving forced me to recreate my schedule in much the same way as being quarantined.

Establish a Routine

Thick fog blanketed the lake this morning making it nearly impossible to see the trees on the other side of our cove. Looking out at this landscape for two years now, I know the trees remain firmly rooted in the soil. But, the veil of fog distorts my vision leaving me wondering what the herons and ducks are doing over there.

Uncertainty makes the days feel foggy.

Our current circumstances feel equally as murky and unsettling. The dentist called to cancel the appointment for a cleaning. I am certain my hair appointment is going to be the next victim of the pandemic.

Yes, these losses are superficial in light of the graduations, proms, jobs, internships, and vacations sacrificed by others. But, the battle of the roots is real, friends. You know this if you have ever been blonde or are currently fighting a losing battle against the grey.