I haven’t ventured out of the house in nine days! Self- isolating because of the coronavirus is the main reason, but I also sprained my ankle which has severely limited my mobility. I can’t walk.
This has proven challenging. I tried leaning on Dave to walk as they do in the war and cowboy movies when they are injured. Did not work. Tried crutches. Did not work. Tried a walker…worked somewhat with considerable bashing into furniture. Finally my sweet husband came home with a scooter he rented which has made traveling around our little condo much easier.
Remaining indoors and being without personal social contacts is starting to take its toll on me, being that I am an outdoor lover (that didn’t sound right), and a social creature. I have bombarded facebook with posts, texted people who are barely ‘friends’, and phoned people who for the first minute of the conversation are in abject shock because I never phone.
Someone on TV today said that in times of crisis we find out who we really are. True..I basically know who I am, but this experience reminds me that I need people, I need to be busy, I need stimulation, I need challenge to be at my best. Knowing this, I can set myself goals to make these days more than tolerable, but enjoyable.
I can keep busy- I read, I write, I watch Netflix, I play online bridge and other games. Busy is good, but not quite enough.
One of the first things I did was volunteer to help out grade twelves who will be working on their English at home. This makes me feel useful, and it puts me in contact with young people which Ive always enjoyed.
Another thing I’m doing is working on a new children’s book project with my friend, Judey. Perhaps we can get this book ready to go in the next few months.
To challenge myself, I have resumed language study of Spanish and French. Just a little bit every day is actually fun for me, and it beats playing video games or watching hours of television.
I talk to one or more of my family every day. I never was much of a phoner, even though I’m quite a proficient texter, but I realize the value of the voice. I always feel better after these conversations.
I also want to try harder to stay in touch with the many good friends I have. I can’t say I take them for granted, but I do neglect them and do not make an effort to communicate with them as much as I should. A facebook post here and there really isn’t enough. I consider myself blessed to have these individuals in my life, and it’s time to step up my game.
I am racking up more screen time than I should, but I have to say I am enjoying the humor, charity and positivity I am seeing in social media. I, too, hope to inspire others to stay positive and in good humor.
We are living in a historical time. It has made me think of the years that people had to live with poverty, sacrifices, and hardships during wartime, drought, or depression. These few months that we have to self-isolate pale in comparison; we must make the best of it. Certainly we have worry and fear for ourselves or loved ones. I am not saying it is going to be easy, but we can do this.
Mondays with Mary-Lee 