Just as I was about to book a holiday to celebrate my ‘big’ birthday today, Covid-19 hit with its social distancing restrictions. No problem, I immediately thought, I’ll simply postpone my birthday. Turning 50 can wait another 18 months–an excellent way of accepting having reached half a century of life. I had heard that many folk slip into a dark corridor just before their significant birthday number (hear the denial in my voice?). I could’ve joined them succumbing to ‘those voices’ that bring on a sense of panic over mortality, and questions like, “what have I done with my life?” and possibly followed by, “will I still have time to do what I want to do?”.
So, what did you do when a ‘big’ birthday hit? Did you panic? Did you panic over the above questions? And who is behind those voices, anyway? Gnomes? I hate garden gnomes. They look up girls’ dresses. No they do, really! Next time you walk passed one, watch where their eyes go–they follow the ladies legs. Same shifty glances as guinea pigs. Now you know how I feel about guinea pigs, too. They’re out to get us. Yes, I’m sounding paranoid, but let’s get back to panicking. One emotion at a time.
About panicking, isn’t that how we all felt at the start of this pandemic? I confess, initially, I was simply relieved. I was relieved to still have a job while I caught up on sleep! And I could be unhurried with my frail mom during caregiving season! So, how did you feel at the start of this pandemic? We sure did get a lot of messages at the start from various places. It was overwhelming! It was almost like 9/11–hard to believe, but very real. Although, at the time of going to blog, we can see that there are groups that find Covid debatable based on its invisible form.
So, how are you coping with birthdays, or milestones, or events, or routine, all during this pandemic? There are residual causes for panic, and some new ones, but on the whole, are you in a different space, financially, emotionally, mentally, logistically, and physically? And don’t panic if nothing has changed for you.
Until next time, sip a cuppa.
Linda