Our new temporary normal, I must admit has its challenges.
The key word is “temporary”.
Hence, the saying above may have a bit of humor to it, only I hear others say this often.
Easier said than done at times.
For instance, on day 18 of the stay home order by the President, it all hit me.
( When you’re reading this, it’s now day 27, of our over 6 week stay at home.)
As I walked to the door of my weekly grocery store run, I was greeted with a line to get in. In the snow and sleet.
In contrast, the week before, there was no line.
Consequently, another one of “our new temporary normal’s”.
As I got into the lobby area where the grocery carts were, I was next in line.
Trader Joe’s has an attached liquor store and a woman coming out with her cart loaded with alcohol, now wanted go into the grocery area.
Therefore, the employee at the door told her she needed to go wait in line again. Outside in the sleety snow. The woman was very upset.
Because I saw how upset the lady was, I told the employee she could have my spot and go in now.
After that, I was directed to begin in the freezer aisle, since it was the least busy.
Like a dazed person, I was feeling all kinds of emotions, being directed where to begin shopping. This was living in our new temporary normal.
The feel in my favorite store, was one of fear and hurry.
Due to this, the usual joy I felt in Trader Joe’s wasn’t there. The vibe was not good.
The employees who are usually fun and friendly, were doing their best. Only the atmosphere wasn’t the same in our new temporary normal.
Finally, I finished my shopping and thanked the workers I saw throughout the store, for being there for us.
As I went out to my car, I felt a very heavy feeling of sadness and reality of what our new temporary normal was.
After that, I burst into tears, sobbing all the way home.
As I pulled into the garage, Hale came to help with the groceries. I was still sobbing. He hugged me and said all the right things to me, only I couldn’t stop sobbing.
It took awhile for me to pull myself back together.
After putting the groceries away, I realized I had a zoom call with one of my favorite people, Elda.
Elda works from home and uses zoom all the time. It’s her normal.
As a result of sharing with each other, I felt much better after our call.
Similarly, when I hosted my first Women in the Glow Circle Group through Zoom, we finished, feeling inspired, heard and supported.
Just like we do at the end of the in-person circles I’ve been hosting for over 9 years.
Because we couldn’t have the in person 90th birthday party to celebrate my amazing Dad, Homer, a Zoom party was the next best thing!
Almost 40 of us were on to see each other and celebrate Dad.
Our new temporary normal.
As a result of having lots of time on my hands at home, I’m cleaning closets, the pantry is next, along with other projects I’ve put off. I’m finding each morning when I wake up,
I need to remind myself of what day of the week it is.
How about you? Are you using this time to tackle things that need done?
When I take my walks in our neighborhood, I feel better.
I sometimes meet people I’ve never met. I ask them, “How are you holding up?” Most stop and fill me in on what they’re doing during this, new temporary normal.
However, working out at the health club is much easier than doing my own thing at home.
I finally tackled Hale’s all in one gym machine he’s had for years, since all I have are a set of hand weights.
Above all, what are you doing to stay in contact with those you care about?
What are you doing to take care of yourself?
Furthermore, I see on TV and social media, how many are pulling together during our new temporary normal.
My hope is, we will all come out of this upside-down world, transformed in positive ways.
Finally, if you’d like to have a Zoom call with me or a phone call, let me know.
I’m here for you. As I keep hearing, “We are all in this together!”.
Remember to breathe. Take deep breaths often. No need to hoard. Especially toilet paper!
During this holy season of Passover and Easter, my hope is, you’ll connect with those you love. Per phone, Zoom or Skype.
With love and prayers to all of you,
Connie
I enjoyed reading these tips from another blogger, maybe you will too:
https://beta.levelupwithus.com/blog/our_new,_temporary_normal
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