I’m living in “unprecedented times,” a “scary world.” Covid19, the Coronavirus is upon us. And I’m writing this from quarantine.
A few weeks ago, I saw a few posts on social media about this being a crazy flu in China. It soon made it’s way to the US, leaking into every state. It took hold of Europe as thousands in Italy fell ill. I went on a trip right after cases were confirmed in Boston, the airport from which I was flying. Family members and friends shared their concerns, some asking if I’d cancel my trip. I’m glad I didn’t (I had an incredible time and will share my adventures in another post). While the world spun around me, I sat on a beach and practiced yoga, emerging to chaos and fear. I thought about staying there longer, but with more and more cities going into lock-down mode and more and more airlines cancelling flights, I’m glad I came home when I did. I’m self-quarantining at my parents’ house in New Hampshire. I’m around caring family, I have food water and shelter, a job that allows me to work from home, and for all of that I’m extremely grateful.
Many people are using this as a time to hoard, to panic, to sit in fear. While it is scary to not know how long this will last or how we’ll be effected in the long term, I’m writing this post to encourage you to take a breath. Use this time to sit, to create. Read that book you’ve been meaning to, start that blog, practice yoga, walk, meditate, call your extroverted friends, check in. Use this time for good.
I’m on day 6 of social distancing. Other than missing my cat (he is well cared for), I’m well. Monday through Friday, I worked, adjusting to zoom meetings and team chats. I’ve practiced yoga, gone on walks, tried new at-home workouts, finished reading my book, started a new show. And, most importantly, I’ve started this. I’ve published a website I’ve been meaning to for years and I’ve let go of reservations and fears that no one would read this or benefit. I’ve gained inspiration from this isolation.
I needed this. Maybe we all did.
If you’re not familiar with Law of Attraction and how powerful our minds are, you will be after accompanying me in my journey of blogging. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. I also feel that you are in control of your thoughts, and as a result, your actions, and as a result, your life.
So if you think of social distancing as a prison, that’s what it will be for you (even though it’s not about you, it’s about protecting others in your community and the global community). Or you can think of this as an opportunity. Imagine, when we all come out of this (which we will, at some point), and we are refreshed, rested, inspired. Imagine how much greater we will all be.
We’ll shake hands again, we’ll hug each other again. Love will prevail, it always does. We will get through this. Isolated, but united. Until then, inspire, seek inspiration, be kind, be patient and enjoy the pause.
Erin A Clark 