These past few months have been a time of resigning to and accepting of the changes in my life due to the pandemic, that what we once thought would be a few weeks of restrictions has turned into many months. So I’ve adapted. I can’t use the gym so I take long walks and recently bought an exercise bike. My daughter encouraged me to take up meditation so I’m now using the Sam Harris guided meditation app almost every day. I can’t say how much it’s helped but I’m sticking with it. Socializing is limited to phone, texts, and zoom, or occasionally a socially distanced meal outside.
Spending time with family and friends brings me joy, especially if it’s in person. Having my son marry his long time girlfriend brought me joy. My 14 year old doggie, Brandy, brings me joy. Getting a par on any hole in a round of golf brings some joy, though often momentary as it’s usually followed by a bogie. But it’s joyful (and I’m so grateful) to be able to spend 4 hours outside with friends, even if socially distanced, on the golf course.
I’ve been very fortunate to be healthy and the same for close family. But not seeing my daughter since last December is challenging. I miss her terribly. I’m also very scared about the division in this country, the security of the election and another 4 years of this current president. With the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, even more worried. So I’ve donated money, and committed to making calls twice a week and writing postcards to encourage voting. Taking action because sitting on the sidelines is not an option.
