About Brittany Pointe Estates
Each of us experiences a different situation in facing our current global COVID-19 crisis. Some are quarantined, perhaps attempting to work from home while little ones clamor for their attention. The kids are homeschooled, taken suddenly from the world of their schools and their friends, and put into a homeisolation environment. Some people may be retired, home alone, missing friends and family and feeling sad. Still others are deemed “essential” and come to work each day, but “work” has become a totally different environment. While perhaps not in the medical field per se, they are still working every day to keep those around them safe. Then, of course, there are those on the front lines, those who risk their lives day in and day out, in an effort to help those affected by the virus and save lives. Each person listed above has been directly impacted by this pandemic on one level or another. No one is immune.
I believe we all have a “Pandemic Posse,” those people to whom we are closest, the recipients of our texts, phone calls or emails, those who comfort us, make us smile and encourage us. If you are still in the work force, they might be your co-workers, undergoing the same experiences as you, dealing with the same fears. Or they might be your beloved family members, whom you can longer visit face to face. Perhaps it is your circle of friends, the circle now broken by distance. Think about who is in YOUR posse and be reminded that they are still with you, perhaps not physically, but certainly emotionally, all of the time. Remember to reach out to them whenever you need a boost. They love you just as much at a distance as they do in person.
I truly believe there are stages of Pandemic Life, just like the stages of grief. I think in the beginning, we were all in denial that such a thing could disrupt our daily lives. We thought that Americans could not possibly contract this virus, let alone die from it, within the borders of the United States. Once it invaded our boundaries, we were shocked at how fast it spread and how deadly it was. I truly believe this stage lasted awhile, and actually, some are still in it.
For most of us, however, I think we have moved on to the “anger and depression” stage. Many feel trapped in their own homes, unable to go to the places that they had taken for granted just a few short months ago. The gym, the movies, restaurants, stores… Resentment is apt to grow in this situation. This resentment could quickly turn to depression. Make sure to go easy on yourself. Self-judgment must go out the window. Once we’re clear of this virus, we can go back to our rigid schedules. For now, though, anything comforting is welcome.
The next stage is acceptance. While I encourage working through to this stage, I do NOT believe that it is synonymous with surrender. You and I are in this situation, one that we never fathomed could be possible. And yet, we are hanging in there. We have come to accept it, it’s true. But we cannot give up. Feelings of doom and gloom are natural, given the circumstances, but we must work hard to combat them with feelings of hope, ingenuity, and confidence.
It’s easy to fall into a schedule of inactivity when there is virtually nowhere to go. It’s far easier to curl up on the couch under a warm blanket than to get up and stay busy. However, at the end of the day, you’ll feel so much better if you have accomplished something. Anything, however small. Clean out a drawer, read a chapter of a book, reach out and Skype, Facetime, Zoom, House Party or make an old-fashioned phone call to someone that you are missing. There are many things you can do, it just takes that initial push to get started. Just remember, you’re not alone.
One of the greatest things you can do for yourself is to take a walk, maintaining that all-important social distance from others. Walking is essential for so many reasons. The benefits are plentiful. Going on regular walks improves your heart-health and can aid in controlling your weight (in a time when most of us have put on the
Brittany Pointe Estates is a gracious Lansdale retirement community that reflects the charm of the region of France for which it is named. Situated in northern Montgomery County, residents of Brittany Pointe Estates senior living community enjoy an abundance of shopping opportunities, cultural offerings, theaters, gourmet restaurants, and beautiful parks that are nearby. Many of the nation’s top hospitals and health care providers are less than an hour away in Center City Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. It is located at 1001 S. Valley Forge Road, Lansdale, PA 19446 and you can call 267-657-3106 for information.