With the pandemic at hand I haven’t been inspired to write a blog post. I just never felt like I had anything to add that wasn’t already being passed around by health officials. Obviously I am immune compromised and need to isolate even more now that y’all are carrying around bugs, but that’s really not too exciting to share as I hope you are all isolating regardless of how efficient your immune system is.
But as I was walking today, it kinda hit me how tough the isolation is on everyone out there. As I’ve been doing a hybrid version of isolation for the last couple of years I’m actually comfortable having less to do. My day to day life really hasn’t changed as I wasn’t working, instead my life was driven by my walks with others and then various chores during the day. I still walk daily, but now I’m walking exclusively with Tracey. As for chores, well, we finished painting Amanda’s room and I’m now working on painting the basement bathroom.
So from that perspective nothing major changed for me.
But, that being said, there are more people out on the streets walking so my walks are a bit more challenging as I bob and weave around. Tracey and I have taken to walking down streets instead of on pathways due to congestion.
One of the things I was thinking about on today’s walk was how this pandemic will change us forever. Certainly people should realize the importance of washing their hands but what other possible changes could come. I’m going to try and focus on some positive changes I hope to see.
A renewed respect for science, medicine, doctors, nurses, researchers, etc.
A greater appreciation for the role of a coordinated and efficient government. I’m seeing how much we’re all looking at the governments of the world to back stop the health and economic crises taking place.
A better understanding of how vital nature is in our lives. Going out for walks, feeling the sun on our face and smelling those spring smells are so important.
A better relationship with technology. We have gotten too reliant on text messages, I’m enjoying the rise of connecting with others by phone or video conference. While I would love to connect in person, I do think that seeing and talking via facetime etc is so much better than just and email or text. And when the pandemic is over I hope we take the time to see each other more often and look at our digitals a lot less.
A reprioritization of family. When Tracey and I are walking we see a significant increase in the amount of families walking together. It used to be adult couples on the paths, but now we see kids playing in their yard and families enjoying each others company. This is just one example as the walking may stop in the coming weeks and months, but the other behaviours like board games, reading together and sharing in each others company should stay. Basically I just hope people realize the priority of family.
A renewed understanding of how connected we really are. We are connected and interdependent. It doesn’t take long to understand that every action that is taking place municipally, provincially, federally or globally affects each and every one of us. It is obvious me that this speedy bug has proven that the Faberge commercial was right. She tells a friend, and then she tells two friends and so on. Doesn’t take long for something to affect us all.
A realization that the human spirit is limitless. In every country, there are many examples of the power of the human spirit—of doctors, nurses, political leaders, and ordinary citizens demonstrating resilience, effectiveness, and leadership. I hope we remember this.
An understanding that we are not promised tomorrow. This pandemic is showing us that anything can happen. And if anything can happen don’t count on tomorrow either. Live today the best way you can.
These days we are having to fill our days with isolation, and being with ourselves more than ever. This is a time to reflect on who you want to be as you emerge from this globally self imposed hibernation. Do some deep thinking and do whatever you can to be a better person once we can all see each other.
Laughter will be the emotion that elevates us. I am pretty sure the internet got funnier whilst we’ve been isolated. Maybe it’s the one thing we can all do for each other, make each other laugh. I certainly know I’m laughing a lot on the “In the Neighbourhood” show with my pals from Dave Kelly Live show. It’s on every weekday morning at 10am MST - just search for Dave Kelly live on facebook. I’ll post an example on the next posting.
There is a long list of negative things that will come out of the pandemic, I didn’t list them as I’m sure we are all feeling a bit like we’re digesting scary information from a firehose these days.
In this time just remember, we are all connected and we are all in this together. Take the time to look for the positive in any situation, take care of yourself and those around you. Smile every day, laugh lots, keep things simple and be nice to each other, that’s what my Mom would say.