ONE MONTH INTO SOCIAL DISTANCING

Having to social distance and really anything having to do with “corona” is ….so chaotic and so calm all at once. This has felt really political for me, and i’m not into politics. Weirdly, this all seems so familiar. The past three years in Oklahoma and accepting slow living, makes this experience a little easier. Less than three months ago, I was living somewhere far from my family and friends, and spent A LOT of time with myself. I grew so much in that three years. Now that I am back in Texas, I feel that I can make more intentional decisions and I trust myself so much more. Sometimes you have to sit still and let life “pass you by.” In reality, you are just GROWING. Nowhere to turn, and no real distractions.

Living in OKC taught me that the small things are really special. A cup of coffee, a phone conversation with a friend that I love. I fell in love with the farmers market, and supporting local businesses. My creativity spiked as well as my appreciation for health and nature. It was a 7 hour drive from Houston, so when I did get a visitor it was a big deal. When you do go home, people are very excited to see you. Being away from people makes them more appreciative of your company. I feel this similar way about social distancing, as I witness people reminiscing on social media. Now we are appreciating what was, because we are without it. Life is interesting. This feels really depressing but also restorative - I’ve been here before. For years and years at a time.

What is not familiar, is wearing a mask outside of the house, and seeing others with masks. There’s less interaction and an overall bubble of fear around everyone. I really am disturbed by the amount of discomfort others are feeling right now. I am also concerned about what the rest of the year will look like as we are not in control of time. But I am pressing forward.. I am letting myself feel sorrow when it comes, giving myself a day or two without social media or much interaction until I sort things out. Extending grace in this space is essential because we are all reacting to this in our own ways.