I will not be able to express this correctly, but I'll write what I'm feeling. We all struggle in some way, shape or form. It seems to me, that for many, negativity and depression are currently taking over. In this time of isolation, I have an outlet in that I go to work for a few hours every day. In this period, which in the overall scheme of life is a relatively short period of time, people are doing some truly stupid things and do not give a damn about the consequences. I don't know if it's boredom, false bravado or lack of caring about others that have people doing what they are doing. I have found myself getting angry in a way that I have not done before. I try to focus on the scientists with data/facts, but the politicos seem to get all the attention. I get angry and have started spouting at the TV. I find my anger exhausting as it overwhelms everything else in some ways at least for a few minutes. Thank goodness many of the news shows have been showing positive stories about hope and recovery.
It brings a smile to my heart when I see signs of hope and encouragement - on my way to work, there are flags flying and signs outside of nursing homes expressing thankfulness. I have found whether I pick up a meal or purchase something in the drugstore, the staff is a bit more friendly and every so grateful for the patronage. I also found that I go to FB a lot more often to check on people. I have a couple of groups I belong to just to see beauty and positivity (thanks to those who recommended them): 'The quarantine beauty project' (private group) and 'View from my window' (public group). Both focus on bringing a little joy which I need to see a few times a day.
I have found I miss hugging. I never thought of myself as a hugger or a person who needs hugs, but I guess I do. I miss the human connection of a handshake or touch on the arm as a way to connect. What are you feeling and/or missing? How are you dealing with it all? Are you stepping out your door for a little fresh air? Has this pandemic brought you closer to family/friends, in different ways?
I know this will not last forever, but it may forever change the way some things are done....good and bad. These are the things I think about at odd hours of the day/night. How about you?
This past week I finished reading: "FAIR PLAY" by Eve Rodsky (Reese's book club recommendation). A game-changing solution for when you have too much to do. It's about life and compromise in a marriage where both work and when one does more than the other....how to shift the balance. "THE LAST ROMANTICS" Tara Conklin (Read with Jenna recommendation). A story about the inspiration behind a famous poem involving family. Beautifully written.
The daily and wacky holidays for the week...provides something lighthearted to think about:
April 26
Hug an Australian Day
National Pretzel Day
Richter Scale Day
April 27
Babe Ruth Day
Morse Code Day
National Prime Rib Day
Tell a Story Day
April 28
International Astronomy Day
Great Poetry Reading Day
Kiss Your Mate Day - guys, do not forget this one. Kiss her, then read her some poetry.
April 29
Greenery Day
International Dance Day
National Shrimp Scampi Day
National Zipper Day
April 30
Hairstyle Appreciation Day
National Honesty Day
National Mahjong Day
May is a busy month -Month (not just because it's my birth month (LOL):
- Asian American Month
- Date Your Mate Month
- Foster Care Month
- Gifts from the Garden Month
- Lupus Awareness Month
- National Barbecue Month
- National Bike Month
- National Blood Pressure Month
- National Hamburger Month
- National Photograph Month
- National Recommitment Month
- National Salad Month
- Older Americans Month
- Pacific Islander Heritage Month
- Nurse's Week - first full week of month
- Wildflower Week - week two
- National Bike Week - third week
- National Police Week - third week of month
- Emergency Medical Services Week - fourth week of month
May 1
International Tuba Day - first Friday in May
Loyalty Day
May Day
Mother Goose Day
Save the Rhino Day
Space Day - first Friday in May
May 2
Baby Day
Brothers and Sisters Day
Free Comic Book Day - first Saturday in May
Herb Day - first Saturday in May
Kentucky Derby Day - first Saturday in May
I have going to leave it here for today. I prattled on enough for one morning. Think I might head back to bed for a bit...it's still pretty dark. I hope you have a good week. Please take care of you! Chat soon. Marie
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy." - --Martin Luther King Jr.
"You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength." - —Marcus Aurelius
"What lies behind us and what lies ahead of us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." - --Ralph Waldo Emerson