Ever heard the expression, childhood is wasted on the young. And I am not “dissing” the young, as I know there are many sound minded, good decision making youth. However, everyone can agree that when we were younger ourselves, we thought, more than once, “I can’t wait till I’m 12, 18, 21…so I can…”
There is or was nothing wrong with those thoughts, but as adults, we often lament the passage of time and our wishing our lives away (which we didn’t really do). During this time of pandemic, for me, I have recaptured some of those timeless childhood moments. While people are arguing over the use of masks, social distancing, whether to eat out or travel on holiday, I’ve taken a different approach.
I’m being picky about who I spend time with, I don’t go out to places with crowds of people, I choose to ask questions…like who will be there, do I know them, is it outside. For me, my current social life is very different and I can’t say that I’m truly upset by that.
Don’t get me wrong, I miss my friends, family, sitting at a bar listening to music, cocktail in hand. I miss camping out at a Rev War event, playing cards at the tavern, staying at hotels on a weekend away. By now, in a “normal summer” I would have done at least a hundred different things, having my parents care for my cat in my absence.
Not so this summer, I can count the number of times on one hand that I’ve been to a restaurant for a meal, always outside, always with people I know, socially distancing the right way. I have spent time in a friend’s yard enjoying conversation and beautiful weather, while others have spent time in mine. This pandemic has made me appreciate and enjoy each social interaction more, while admiring the uniqueness of how we accomplish such gatherings.
Due to COVID, I’m living my life at a more relaxing pace, while exploring new facets of myself. Although I am still working, peppered in along the way, is more time for reading, writing, baking, and preparing amazing meals, I wouldn’t have attempted before. I make time to sleep in, stay up late, write letters to loved ones, enjoy quiet times in the garden, finish projects, and begin new ones. I actively strive to not over schedule myself so I find that I appreciate events more.
I am not sure how much longer this will go on for, and I accept the fact that I have no control over it. Lack of control, means I can’t really complain because complaining changes nothing. I can only take each day as it comes, being prepared, even if it means I have a mask and sanitizing station in my house (not something one would expect to add to one’s home). What I do know is that I will continue to embrace the time and opportunities to explore new things. I will appreciate the small moments, and spend time with those I love the most. I have learned that I’m more patient than I thought, hopeful that I will resume a somewhat normalized life, while continuing to do my part to flatten the curve. Ultimately, I intend to make each day amazing, by staying positive and exploring new interests.
Great perspective and thoughts. Maine tightened up on those people crossing the border so we can’t meet for a bit up this way.
Thanks for the feedback. Yes, Things have tightened here too! Beaches closed to non-residents and mandatory mask wearing in downtown even walking around.