I’d like to ask you to help me write a post that I plan to publish in the next few days. Please send me a few words about your experience of, and your response to, more than two years of Covid restrictions.
Some of us have been vaccinated, some are boosted and some have no immunity at all. I started going to the grocery again two months ago, double masked, boosted and socially distanced, even now that most people are not masked anymore.
I know that all personal activities can’t be controlled like this, but we can try. I also know that we must have social activity.
So in trying to recover social normality, for the mental health of everyone from children to the elderly, we’re creating a new normal.
Added to the risk of disease, we’re stressed on all sides — by aggressive political acts, mass shootings, lack of affordable housing, confusion in our health care system, the war in Ukraine, Covid-related shortages and high prices. These affect us all, psychologically and economically.
I’m naming these depressing things because I count them all as not normal social life in America (although, of course, we did have serious social problems before).
There’s a lot of personal stress in having to consciously consider the possible outcome of every public move you make.
Each of us is working almost alone to keep body and soul balanced and together. But there’s a positive side to this.
Families and friendships can be strengthened.
Truth has a new importance.
Communities with shared values can join together in purpose.
Personal goals can come into focus, be healing, and be shared.
Some of us may be finding balance in creating, writing, cooking, hiking, gardening, anything at all. What revives your spirit during stressful times? What has been your experience in public? We don’t have think this through alone.
Please Reply to this email (it’s not a public comment) so I can share your viewpoint with other readers in a later post. Be sure to tell me if you want to sign your words with your first name only, or first and last, or something else — or no signature at all. If I edit your words for reasons of space, I will check with you.
I believe that with a calm center we can gain fresh energy to join with others in taking action for democracy, peace, and a healthier world.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon,
Deda
How Are You Doing?
The pandemic that kept us isolated from friends and family for many long months also made me appreciate just being more quiet and at home, without so much of the busyness that usually had us going out several nights a week. We have been fortunate (so far) to not have been directly affected by the virus though it is still a threat as seemingly more folks are getting sick even with the vaccinations and being boosted. Today I celebrate 103 years of the women's right to vote by going to the Democratic breakfast and becoming more involved with hopefully holding on to what we have. Carolyn
I am doing well! I still wear a mask in crowded places even though I’m vax and boosted. I’m doing what I can and then I let it go. I have conversations and generally attend activities in small groups outside.I’ve just adapted to the new normal. I’ve gained some weight and am now taking appropriate steps to resolve. There are so many other things happening in the world that keeps me focused. I’m enjoying my home.