Chapter 7 The Rona.
I'm sure you've heard of Coronavirus, COVID-19, or my favorite: The Boomer Remover. It's all over here, it's all over the news, it's causing another recession, it's killing some people, making people kill animals, making people kill eachother. Seriously. Look it up.
If there's one thing I've learned, it's that people are much quicker to panic than I thought (kay, I'll spoil it - some guy killed his 8 year girlfriend and then himself because he thought she'd contracted the Rona. And if that wasn't dumb enough, neither of them even had it).
Second thing I've learned is that I'm pretty dumb myself. In February, I was thinking: "This has a 98% survival rate. What's the big deal?"
I did NOT consider the economic and social issues the fear would generate. And I didn't think of the 20% or so who get VERY sick, but don't die.
I also didn't consider if these statistics may be off due to inaccurate reporting from other countries. Because I didn't realize how stupid and childish other countries are.
It's just been a load of disappointment. But there's always a silver lining. The planet is healthier, if only for a short time. Gas is $1.39 here. And think of all the school and public shootings planned for Spring 2020 that got absolutely THWARTED. That makes me happy.
So anyway, this historic pandemic has, of course, upgraded my job search from 'Extremely Difficult' to 'Nearly Impossible'. I was having a very hard time emotionally with that. I absolutely hate feeling stuck or without options. But I'm still trying. I have options.
Juan is still working! The hardware store is considered essential, so he's been busy. Thank goodness, because we'd be screwed otherwise.
My life hasn't changed like at all. When I am able to go out and do things, it's a lot more tedious and inconvenient, but I feel as miserable as usual. I feel bad for people who aren't used to this though. It's hard to have a life and switch that completely off. I feel for my mom, especially. She NEVER complains, but has mentioned she's anxious. So she's probably really anxious.
So for her and others similar, I give you:
No, you don't even have to lie to yourself! There are positive things happening. My favorite is that I haven't heard a peep from the "Technology is of the devil!" crowd. They can stay shutting up after all this.
If there's one thing I've learned, it's that people are much quicker to panic than I thought (kay, I'll spoil it - some guy killed his 8 year girlfriend and then himself because he thought she'd contracted the Rona. And if that wasn't dumb enough, neither of them even had it).
Second thing I've learned is that I'm pretty dumb myself. In February, I was thinking: "This has a 98% survival rate. What's the big deal?"
I did NOT consider the economic and social issues the fear would generate. And I didn't think of the 20% or so who get VERY sick, but don't die.
I also didn't consider if these statistics may be off due to inaccurate reporting from other countries. Because I didn't realize how stupid and childish other countries are.
It's just been a load of disappointment. But there's always a silver lining. The planet is healthier, if only for a short time. Gas is $1.39 here. And think of all the school and public shootings planned for Spring 2020 that got absolutely THWARTED. That makes me happy.
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| This is our neighbor's baby pitbull Bella. She makes me happy too! |
So anyway, this historic pandemic has, of course, upgraded my job search from 'Extremely Difficult' to 'Nearly Impossible'. I was having a very hard time emotionally with that. I absolutely hate feeling stuck or without options. But I'm still trying. I have options.
Juan is still working! The hardware store is considered essential, so he's been busy. Thank goodness, because we'd be screwed otherwise.
My life hasn't changed like at all. When I am able to go out and do things, it's a lot more tedious and inconvenient, but I feel as miserable as usual. I feel bad for people who aren't used to this though. It's hard to have a life and switch that completely off. I feel for my mom, especially. She NEVER complains, but has mentioned she's anxious. So she's probably really anxious.
So for her and others similar, I give you:
Isolation advice from a hermit.
#1: Remember that things will go back to normal.
Remember all those times you sat at your desk wishing you could just sit at home in your jammies with your family and binge some shows? What better excuse is there than a country-wide health and financial crisis?
ENJOY THIS TIME. Because everything will eventually start going back to normal. Ew.
#2: Don't slack on your routines.
Some of us have lengthy routines, Some of us it's just a matter of waking up, brushing our teeth and putting on deodorant. Either way, stick to your routines! Wake up around the same time, go to sleep around the same time, make weekends special.
I don't know what it is, but there is something about routines that keeps people sane. Or at least limits their insanity.
Also, start checking the calendar if that helps you feel more oriented.
#3: Listen to music.
Whichever music you like, play it. Music will help you feel things and bring back memories of better times in your life. Plus all the neuroscience related to the activation of feel-good centers in your brain.
#4: Go outside during your favorite weather.
Obviously you don't have to travel far, your front step will do. It doesn't have to be sunny, just take a step outside occasionally. You may not feel stir-crazy seeing the same 4 walls all day, but you are stir-crazy. Trust me, going outside when it's your favorite weather or favorite time of day with little to no people outside is just refreshing.
#5: Look at the positives
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