We are living in an unknown time. We are finding ourselves staying home, working from home and practicing self-distancing. For many, myself included, it’s a struggle. I’m used to being on a constant run, with work, sports and life. The downtime was okay for about a week, however, now I’m done with it. I do love the extra family time I’m getting with the wife and boys, but our life has been built on activities and people. We all miss sports, but more importantly the people associated with them. Our family also lives a couple hours away, FaceTime and Zoom have helped but not getting to see and have an embrace has been tough.
I have heard many people complain about Being Isolated. They struggle with staying home and not being with and around others. The boys and I have continued to do some of our “normal” things alone and away from the people we truly miss. We complain about seeing the same walls or same location(s). We want to be with those who matter most to us, we want to see and be somewhere else. The side most of us have not thought about is the people who have lived and continue to live in isolation. There are many, even before this pandemic came on, that were alone and self-distancing. They felt unwanted, felt like a burden to others and like they were didn’t fit in. At this time so many are feeling sorry for themselves because they are home with loved ones, have so much to be thankful for but like so much of our DNA we want more. We aren’t happy with what we have, we want what others have or the few things we don’t.
The idea of missing something weighs on many. Again, go back to the people who have missed out on so much because they have lived in isolation. We can continue to feel sorry for ourselves or not listen to the guidelines placed in front of us causing a longer self-distance from others. I had a great friend post something about coming out of this with something new or learning something new. How about coming out of this searching out the people who were in isolation before and including them into your “normal” life? The other thing I hope people take out of this is that “normal” wasn’t best. Putting a focus on your family, your friends and yourself should be at the forefront. Remember the people, the businesses that stepped up during this time to take care of the kids and families in your area. Remember the people you you saw out walking in your neighborhood, take the time to welcome them into your home or to include them in other activities when the time is right.
If you’re a person who was in isolation before know that others do care. Come out of this looking for that smile, that wave and to be included. For those who have realized how much they miss and the people they miss it with. Make the time to spend it with those people. We keep asking / begging to get back to our “normal” life however what have we done to help get back to it. Do we really want to get back to it? Is this our new normal? I have heard both my boys state what they will do once they can go see the other they miss.
Here’s my challenge to each of you. Make a list and complete it. Write down the people who matter most to you, let them know it. Continue to make the time for your family, your friends, yourself and those who have stepped up during this time. Call, someone you haven’t spoken to in some time. Put your phone down. If you know someone who has struggled with being in isolation help them find a way out, include them in what we do. Realize that what is going on now is not all bad, how many times in our life do we really get to slow down and enjoy the things we often take for granted.
Enjoy your day!
TCB