No matter where you are in the world, no matter what kind of work you do, your age, health, or family status, you have been impacted by Covid-19. I know that much is true. And because you are human, I also know that the chaos our world is in right now has you feeling worried and uncomfortable to some extent. For me, these uncertain times have brought to light a variety of needs that I’m not usually so keenly aware of. I wonder if you can relate.
In no particular order…
#1 – Alone time
Before kids, the requirement to self-isolate and practice social-distancing would have been, to me, the equivalent of winning a respectable sum of money in the lottery. As a socially awkward introvert and highly sensitive person, I am in my element when I am left to my own devices in my own home, alone. I don’t get that very much anymore because regular alone time ceases to exist when kids come along, but there were still pockets of it here and there. Not anymore. Now that we are staying home together all the time, there are people literally climbing over me and spilling stuff on me and always wanting to sit on my lap and making so much noise and talking all the time. And that’s just my husband.
#2 – Time with people
Even socially awkward introverts have their people – their trusted tribe. As much as I love my sweet little family, I find myself missing the connection that comes from face time (not to be confused with FaceTime) with my friends. Technology is a blessing as it obviously allows us to maintain a version of our connections to one another, and I am thankful for that. But nothing beats a good chat and a laugh over a meal or a chai tea.
#3 – Control
So many decisions have been taken out of our hands, I don’t really feel like I’m in control of my own life at the moment. I’m just responding to each new restriction and cancellation with a shrug and a deep breath. And by exerting even more control over my children: NO! You cannot use the blue crayon. Only the orange crayon for you.
#4 – Toilet paper
We actually don’t need toilet paper, but judging from the empty shelves at the big grocery store near us, I’m guessing some people do. And flour. Panic-buying toilet paper I can kind of understand…but flour? I guess bakers gotta bake.
#5 – A sense of purpose
I’m a special education resource teacher at a K-8 school. On a typical day, I might meet with parents to discuss any number of concerns about their child. I might coach a few students in organizational or self-advocacy strategies, or run a reading group to help close achievement gaps. I might organize social work or speech services for a student. Sprinkled in between, I might be running after a student (literally) or trying to talk a student out of throwing that chair/clock/water bottle at another person. I love what I do. But for the foreseeable future, I won’t be doing it. Not at school, anyway. Maybe I’ll try to teach my 4-year-old how to organize his colouring books by theme for quick retrieval and my 2-year-old how to advocate for what she needs without scream-shouting…
#6 – A routine
Pre-pandemic life had a natural routine to it, thanks to school and work and appointments and needing to be places by a certain time every day. Now…the days stretch out ahead of me, long and oh-so-long and really long. I’m thinking I’m going to need to adopt one of the routines that are circulating online at the moment, no doubt created by a kindred spirit – a Type A Mama. Routines keep a mama sane, and when the mama is sane, everyone is safer better off.
#7 – A nap
I just always need a nap, pandemic or not.
#8 – A change of scenery
I love my home, but I love it so much more when I can leave it for chunks of time every day. Boots on, KIDDOS! We’re going for another walk!
#9 – Wine
Enough said.
#10 – A degree in aesthetics
Eventually this somewhat mandatory self-isolating situation is going to become quite voluntary because of the state of my eyebrows and nails and skin. I will not be fit for public viewing.
#11 – A reminder
This, too, shall pass.
Can you relate?
You could have stayed longer…
Love, Dad xoxo
Aïe you!
So true. Amidst all this, your sense of humour is your best ally,
love
Yes! Actually, before I had seen how bare the flour and sugar shelves were, I didn’t even realize people actually baked anymore. So much is readily available and I’ve been told by several people that baking scares them, so, frankly, I’m a little surprised. But, I guess, when you have no other options, it’s time to crack open a cookbook. My son is in Kindergarten, so our mornings are spent split between teaching him and playing with his little sister, but I haven’t come up with an afternoon routine yet, so our days almost completely fall apart by 3pm and I’m counting down to bedtime when I can finally get some peace and quiet. I could totally use a nap. Maybe two a day. Wishing good health to you and your family!
I feel you on the countdown to kids’ bedtime! The day is in perpetual motion until then. No lofty goals of what I can accomplish during this period of isolation! Thanks for reading, Kat. Stay well.
Such a clever and witty writer. Love, husband. Xx
I can absolutely relate! I am so delighted to have slow time (soooooo very) close to my family. As an introvert, though, I’m wishing we’d already figured out how to effectively carve out alone time. Day by day, my family and I are navigating this and trying to find broader rhythms/routines … for now, I’m glad to have time to read a few blogs while my kids watch Frozen 2. It’s not quiet, but grants me other kinds of respite. 🙂
We have to take it where we can get it, eh? Thanks very much for reading, Deborah! Stay well.