The fourth Saturday
Find as much joy as you can through this difficult situation
I keep hearing the phrase “this is an unprecedented time,” which I think sums up how we’re all feeling.
We don’t know what the next steps are because we’ve never experienced anything like this before.
Sometimes I find it hard to think positively. I find it difficult to cope with the unknown in general, and with so much that is unknown right now, I feel genuinely scared some days.
Like everyone else, I miss my freedom. I miss going to work, spending time with my friends, and hugging my family.
I do know that I’m privileged to be able to be comfortable at home with food in my cupboards and Netflix to cuddle up to, but that doesn’t mean I don’t miss the way things were before and fear that they might never be the same again.
This week in order to curb some of my extra energy I focused on walking my dogs, taking in some of the cool spring weather we had and working out a way to support some of the local businesses in my community.
I also played too much Animal Crossing and slept in too late.
I’m trying to find balance but I feel like I’m often on a teeter-totter tipping from routine to a sedentary lifestyle depending on the day.
I have days where I feel guilty for wasting my time. I have days that fly by and I’m left wondering where it went.
I didn’t know how much I rely on a regular schedule, but without one, I often don’t know what to do with my days.
I woke up early this morning with a plan to explore the Island and support some local businesses, and try to feel some of that normalcy I had been missing.
It was our first-week shopping probably 80 per cent local. We bought delicious ice cream from Truckin’ Roll and chicken and turkey products from Larkin Bros. We visited the ADL giveaway for P.E.I. potatoes, milk, and cheese. Finally, we stopped at Blue Ribbon Pet Supplies to get our dog food.
It made me feel good to give the support I could today. Everyone was so gracious and I was sincerely thanked multiple times for the support.
I also experienced Islanders following social distancing guidelines. I had tears in my eyes seeing how organized and careful everyone was.
I was floored by the generosity of Islanders while receiving my ADL products. Regular people just donating their time and food to help others. We had a beautiful morning enjoying our Island and its hospitality.
I guess what I’m trying to say is try to find as much joy as you can through this difficult situation.
You can still make memories and find happiness doing simple things like buying groceries or taking a drive, maybe you just have to find a way to do things a little differently to get there.
(Note - Many local businesses require pre-orders in order to meet physical distancing guidelines. The ones I shopped from this week accepted e-transfers which was really helpful in ensuring we stayed two metres apart.)
Keep washing your hands and staying home as much as you can!