There is nothing that anyone on this earth has simultaneously experienced on a global level aside from this pandemic. We've had other outbreaks, but none on a global scale. As a result of no vaccinations or cures, we've mainly all had to practice the fine art of social distancing---which basically means we have to stay the F away from one another to avoid catching Corona Virus or Covid-19.
I remember at the start of the year seeing the movie "Five Feet Apart," and thinking how difficult that would be mentally and emotionally to have to constantly be aware that getting close to someone for the rest of your life, could mean your death from something as little as a common cold. Surprise, here we all are now.
It's officially been 12 days now, since I've been practicing social distancing and self-isolation with the exception of one crack of dawn trip to the grocery store per week. I live with chronic illness, so everyone around me has been very mindful of my health and respecting that. I've been diligently maintaining space from everyone but my immediate family that are doing the same. I think I've now come to the point where I'm at the resigned acceptance of it all. I already had to cancel my vacation this year to visit my nephews and in so doing, missed both of their birthdays. I've also missed my best friends birthday because she had to cancel all her plans. As a family, we've cancelled all of our Easter plans which consist of a large family picnic and church every year (the church has already closed it's doors).
There is nothing to do and no where to go anyway even if I wanted to. Literally everything aside from some businesses have shut their doors. It's a ghost city of 6 million ghost souls. Even after hurricanes, the next day, life has resumed for the most part as people generally tend to start piecing things back together, but you don't even hear regular noise outside with this. I'm normally and introvert who works from home, but a large part of my work life balance because I do work multiple jobs, is turning off screens and then getting outdoors and going to events with friends in my off time. Now, not having any sort of balance in that respect, has made me a bit stir crazy.
Like most, I've taken to doing all the projects I've said for 2 years needed to be done. Thankfully I know how to cook really well, so I'm basically at a point where I'm on my way to becoming an executive chef. I've Netflixed and Hulu'd, I exercise, I connect through text or Face Time family, I work incessantly on purpose between my two jobs, I'm limiting my exposure to the doom and gloom of the news. Hell, at this point, even doing my taxes seems exciting! But, even with all of that taking up brain space, I cannot help but miss seeing people walking the streets, or everyday social life, and being able to touch or hug or kiss without fear or trepidation. I miss my family A LOT and my friends, many whom I have not actually seen in person in over a month because before they were busy and now you can't see them! Irony!
So how are you handling things? Are you on a mandated lock down? Free to roam? Self-Isolating? How are you coping?
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