Stay Home, Stay Human

With the world embracing social distancing to flatten the curve of spreading COVID-19, my true introvert is shining bright but I’m struggling to maintain a sense of normalcy. It has been such an odd and devastating time these last few weeks; death, lack of compassion and humanity, trips cancelled, etc. Listening to hourly updates, reading the posts from family and friends struggling through this challenging time has been difficult to say the least. But what I’ve learned or better yet, what my goal of this…aside from the obvious…is to walk away from all of this with some decency. I’ve watched people cut in front of others, regardless of age, to snatch that last package of paper towel. I’ve seen videos shared of inconsideration where a middle age man on the phone pushes a senior woman out of his way to grab toilet paper. I mean…toilet paper!!!! Why is it that in times of illness and distress, it brings out the worst in people? Hoarding, cruelty, fighting with family…complete lack of empathy.

Not really sure why people are behaving so differently during this moment in history, versus 911 or the power outage that occurred in the mid-west and east coast 15+ years back. People came together and supported each other. Those difficult and devastating times truly shined a spotlight on the beauty that can be found in people. But this…COVID-19 appears to have separated us not just literally but figuratively as well. Not a debate, just a thought I’ve been having.

For the last year or so, my husband and I have purchased items in bulk and were more or less prepared to be shut-ins for a few weeks. But we went out and stocked up on food (and beer) to ensure that we could make it longer just in case this stay home plan gets extended.  Our trip to the grocery store wasn’t crazed or rushed and in fact, we stepped out of the way numerous times, with a smile, while someone else rushed in front of us to get the last canned vegetable or box of pasta for their household. I get it! You want to take care of your own and yours, but why isn’t this bringing communities together? Regardless of the social distancing necessity, if someone said they needed your help with food or God forbid toilet paper, would you help? I’d like to think that I would. But I’m seeing or at least reading that not everyone is behaving this way. So while others are struggling with cabin fever and need to get out of the house, I find that any bit of extrovert mentality I had has gone into hibernation temporarily. I’m enjoying the solitude of our home, the positive sayings in sidewalk chalk on my run/walk in the early morning, imagining that everyone I care about is doing well and will make it out of this unscathed and good people. Everyone has their own coping mechanisms during times of tragedy. Some like to dive deep into the news and get every piece of information, but others, like myself, can’t read every post of negative media that comes along. I’m not downplaying the severity of what is going on but my coping, is to focus on the positives and not give in to any claustrophobia I may or may not be experiencing. I want to be able to look myself in the mirror and know that I didn’t lose a good part of me during this global pandemic.

I was selfish for a day and upset about the cancellation of my NYC birthday trip…but it can be rescheduled for another time; and I think my new birthday plan of climbing to the top of Picacho Peak with a cupcake and candle sounds quite lovely. I could be upset that I “have” to work from home…but I’m enjoying the time I have with my new co-worker aka furbaby Zoey, and I’m saving tons of money not using gas and mileage on my car and I know my ability to work remote is a luxury not everyone has currently. In a time when there are so many negatives, it feels nice to enjoy the simple joys; the sun shining, the bird that can’t stop singing outside my bedroom (also my new office) window, my dog that can’t stop snuggling me, my husband who despite struggling with cabin fever himself…is still putting on a strong front and embracing daily walks himself. But I know that he and I, and hopefully everyone, will be okay. And for now…that’s enough for me.