COVID-19 has proven itself to be unknown in so many ways. If we knew all the details, it wouldn't be as bad. Yet, the details we know right now are not that promising or positive. It seems like we have to recalibrate daily to manage during these COVID-19 days.
What's the latest directions?
Navigating the range of responses to the virus
I don't think I'm alone when I say that my friends' and family members' reaction to this virus range from not a care in the world to hyper-vigilant. This is problematic. I don't want to be unfriendly, but I also don't want to get this sickness because someone I love is not taking it seriously. This divide is clearly causing fractures in relationships as evidenced in news reports and social media share, and I would rather not fracture relationships over this, but I also want to stay safe so I've chosen to take a managed risk approach. I'm not going to simply join a group of people indoors unless they are a few people that I live with or know are taking the virus seriously. If I know you haven't been following social distancing rules, than I'll stay a good six feet from you and get together outdoors.
Choosing intimate, outdoor activities versus large, indoor gatherings
Almost exclusively I'm choosing to be with people outdoors with the exception of a a few close family members. Hikes, bike rides, picnics work, inside gatherings, for the most part, don't work. We're not talking about the rest of our lives (hopefully), but a few short months or a year or two at best. We can do this.
Staying informed; seek expert advice
It is essential that we stay informed and use experts as our guides. Dr. Fauci is not gaining from sharing his experienced advice--he's sharing this because he wills us to be safe. We need to look for the experts that care about our well being, not fake experts who care about their own self gain instead.
Deepen intimacy
This is a good time to deepen the intimate relationships that you have. Work on the quality and depth of conversation. Get to know family members in more meaningful ways. Engage in common pursuits that are doable at this time. In our former rat race of a world, we often didn't have time for this kind of intimacy, greater intimacy is a silver lining of this pandemic.
Mitigate spontaneity
COVID-19 doesn't lend itself to spontaneity as spontaneity may put you at risk. You have to be more prepared for outings in lots of ways. It's best to visualize the entire event, make rules with those you are adventuring with before the adventure, and stick to your plans as much as possible.
Take the long view; build capacity
Think about what you can do during these times. For example, I'm engaging in a White Fragility online book group. I'm learning a lot which will make me stronger as a good teacher, family member, and community member. I've also been strengthening my skills as cook and gardener--positive in many ways. Think about who you want to be two, three, or five years down the road and what you can do to prepare for that--this is the time that many of us have hungered for, we need to take advantage of that despite the challenges.
We all have to keep coaching ourselves forward during these unusual and somewhat worrisome days--coaching ourselves forward to a bright future. We can do this.
What's the latest directions?
Navigating the range of responses to the virus
I don't think I'm alone when I say that my friends' and family members' reaction to this virus range from not a care in the world to hyper-vigilant. This is problematic. I don't want to be unfriendly, but I also don't want to get this sickness because someone I love is not taking it seriously. This divide is clearly causing fractures in relationships as evidenced in news reports and social media share, and I would rather not fracture relationships over this, but I also want to stay safe so I've chosen to take a managed risk approach. I'm not going to simply join a group of people indoors unless they are a few people that I live with or know are taking the virus seriously. If I know you haven't been following social distancing rules, than I'll stay a good six feet from you and get together outdoors.
Choosing intimate, outdoor activities versus large, indoor gatherings
Almost exclusively I'm choosing to be with people outdoors with the exception of a a few close family members. Hikes, bike rides, picnics work, inside gatherings, for the most part, don't work. We're not talking about the rest of our lives (hopefully), but a few short months or a year or two at best. We can do this.
Staying informed; seek expert advice
It is essential that we stay informed and use experts as our guides. Dr. Fauci is not gaining from sharing his experienced advice--he's sharing this because he wills us to be safe. We need to look for the experts that care about our well being, not fake experts who care about their own self gain instead.
Deepen intimacy
This is a good time to deepen the intimate relationships that you have. Work on the quality and depth of conversation. Get to know family members in more meaningful ways. Engage in common pursuits that are doable at this time. In our former rat race of a world, we often didn't have time for this kind of intimacy, greater intimacy is a silver lining of this pandemic.
Mitigate spontaneity
COVID-19 doesn't lend itself to spontaneity as spontaneity may put you at risk. You have to be more prepared for outings in lots of ways. It's best to visualize the entire event, make rules with those you are adventuring with before the adventure, and stick to your plans as much as possible.
Take the long view; build capacity
Think about what you can do during these times. For example, I'm engaging in a White Fragility online book group. I'm learning a lot which will make me stronger as a good teacher, family member, and community member. I've also been strengthening my skills as cook and gardener--positive in many ways. Think about who you want to be two, three, or five years down the road and what you can do to prepare for that--this is the time that many of us have hungered for, we need to take advantage of that despite the challenges.
We all have to keep coaching ourselves forward during these unusual and somewhat worrisome days--coaching ourselves forward to a bright future. We can do this.