Signs of Hope Amidst Uncertainty

Signs of Hope Amidst Uncertainty

"Though I do not believe that a plant will spring up where no seed has been, I have great faith in a seed... Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to expect wonders."

~ Henry David Thoreau ~

This morning during a walk I was grateful to witness signs of Spring. It made me realize a few things; first, the sun is still rising each morning, second, Spring has come regardless of all that has happened and third, I was afraid that this would put an end to human connection once and for all but it hasn't. 

People are finding ways to stay connected and stay separate at the same time. I have started writing letters, writing on here, making it a point to wave and say hello to people I see outside, and this morning I joked with a girl who was sitting up in a tree. Whatever way you choose and what way works best for you, please find a way to stay connected. It is critical to our survival. 

I have heard many times about playing the hand you are dealt instead of worrying about the one you hoped for. There is no better time than during a run of chaos to practice this. I worked on staying in the moment while I was walking and saw many beautiful signs of life. 

I also worked out and washed my bike (neither has been happening as much as they should). Let's stick together and we might just screw around and get through this. Check on friends and loved ones periodically and if you find yourself needing help, reach out right away! I ask everyone to put these numbers in your contacts immediately. Even if not for yourself, you never know when you might come across someone who could use them. During a shit storm is the worst time to look for shelter. 

Crisis Text Line: Text Home to 741741

Suicide Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 

Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233

Peace to you and yours until next time. Stay safe and healthy!

Let the House Arrest Begin - Cautiously Maneuvering Through Unexplored Territories

Let the House Arrest Begin - Cautiously Maneuvering Through Unexplored Territories

For most of us, being locked down and basically being under house arrest is a new concept. It seems unfathomable that not only the country but the world is in crisis right now. I think a large number of us did not think this was as serious as it has since proven itself to be.

Not too long ago I was laughing at people who were buying up all the toilet paper and groceries. Now as I try to shop normally, I am not able to find items. I feel like I need a sign outside my house that says “Occupant did not hoard TP, please move on”.

As I here talk about a 30-day stay at home order I struggle to understand what that looks like, especially now that I am living alone. One of my very best friends was supposed to come into town to go to a concert with me in April, it got postponed. Will my daughter be able to come and stay with me and is it even a good idea? How will I manage without human contact? At least I have my dog!

The plan was for my ex’s stuff to be out of the house this weekend but, it didn’t happen. I was going to use this time to finally make this place mine. I guess I should not be surprised at this stage of the game. I also don’t know if the divorce will get finalized with the lock-down…FML

I was trying to make some sense of this to my four-year-old when I realized that I barely understand it so how can I expect her to grasp it? So far it has been eleven days since I have had any alcohol (picked a great time again). This time has been way harder than last time when I went sixty-four days. I do not see myself going that far this time with the craziness that abounds. I am trying to look at this with no expectations and no shame but it is hard.

I definitely plan to take advantage of this time for workouts and walks and hope to start doing some short runs as well as writing. One thing I started is writing letters to the elderly. I found a site called Love for the Elderly https://lovefortheelderly.org/letters Please consider writing a few notes during your downtime. These people are forgotten and lonely many times, but now it is worse than ever. Even people who had regular visitors cannot have them. I sent out an email at work asking people to write.

So, what do you think the world looks like coming out of this? Hopefully, the people trying to take advantage of it will get what is coming to them and everyone else will be stronger and more compassionate. Be good to each other and spread random acts of kindness whenever you can.

Peace out for now!