Spot of T: a bridge to normal
These days, as we journey deeper into this world of isolation, it feels more and more like we are on an island, with no connection to normalcy. The only visible bridge is a bridge to nowhere.
If we really let ourselves, we could get lost in this dreary scenario, followed by the wonder of how, without a bridge, we can ever get back to normal. But really, is the old normal what we should strive to find? Maybe we can reinvent normal.
In the past few months, most of us have had extra time on our hands. That is a bit of an understatement, I know. Speaking for myself, I found it hard to get motivated during that forced downtime.
The days when I pushed myself to get up off that couch and get moving did a lot to lift my spirits. Though Mother Nature has thrown several wrenches into our well-oiled plans, I did manage to get outside, to work in the gardens, to take my dog for a long walk and to enjoy a little sunshine.
Sunshine is vital for production of vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin. This vitamin is produced in your body and a direct result of sunshine. Spring days are perfect for a little sunny basking. The sun rays aren’t too strong, but the warmth can do much to improve your spirits.
Some research has even shown that vitamin D may play an important role in regulating mood. And best yet, it could possibly ward off depression.
During this extra time, we have plenty of opportunity to try to figure out what our new normal might look like. Certainly, it will be very different. But is different necessarily bad?
I have found a greater appreciation for so many things that before, I took for granted. A simple hug from a grandchild, with a casual “See you later!” were standard issue before mid-March. Now, it’s something for which I can only strive. Trust me, when this quarantine is over, I will savor each hug as if it were our last.
That is something vital that this virus has taught me: appreciation for demonstrations of love, hugs, kisses, cuddles even playtime.
In our world of new normal, events that put us cheek by jowl won’t happen, in my opinion. Again, is this bad? Most people do not like crowds and would rather have a little elbow room.
I foresee capacity crowds for things like concerts and sporting events possibly being diminished greatly. Maybe every other seat is a good beginning. Perhaps airlines will adhere to the every-other-seat rule of social distancing, and we might actually have room to spread out.
Restaurants won’t seat you nearly on top of the next table, and the ambiance won’t be so chaotic.
New normal. Those words are a bit daunting and a bit surreal. But broken down, it might not be so bad. I for one will be much more inclined to shop at the small businesses and shops, the mom-and-pop shops, and support them as much as possible. I will shy away from the larger stores and will strive to buy American.
I will choose the smaller restaurants rather than the chains. Those businesses that actually survive this catastrophic time will need our help.
It is so easy to succumb to the feelings of isolation with no end in sight. But please, do yourself a favor: see a bright future. Visualize those happy reunions we are all going to have one day in the not-toodistant future. Visualize a time when you have no more restrictions on where you can go and with whom you can spend time.
The struggles and sacrifices of today will ensure the safety and happiness of tomorrow. Stay the course. I promise that bridge will lead to better days.