Spring Turns to Summer 2020

Getting into this time of year, most of us were hoping that the virus would die out, and we could find out way back to normal, or what could pass for it. The weather is warmer, some places are opening again, but we have other things going on we need to take care of. Our health, not just our looks and fashion styles for one.

We need to remember to take care and watch out for ourselves and others. That does not mean we cannot have fun though. Many of us have designed or bought cloth masks for when we need to go out. Speaking of places that are reopening, the YMCA in Burlington, Iowa has opened its swimming pool, as well as other areas for small groups. We go to the pool, and we need to be mindful of large groups, no one crowding. Time to work out and enjoying fitness again. To be able to go exploring when it is this warm out is great, and we get to see nature, and watch the scenery change.

So now, we can keep up with these regulations we have been doing, maybe this pandemic will not hold our lives in death grip, and that will be our new normal.

Dealing with Anxiety While Waiting

We all have been self-isolating for a couple months now, and right about now, the stress maybe starting to get to some of us. Now is the time to get creative and get started on something for yourself. Work on a project, clean out your house of the clutter, or get out of the house, and explore something new. 

It has been a slow time coming, for life to return to a new normal, if that is the right word. Right now, there has been a gentle reopening of stores, and salons in the area, while other large businesses around the world have keep their doors closed. Our church has started to resume worship, with some groups gathering inside, as well as its live streaming.

For as long as it takes, we still need be vigilante, work together to stay as healthy as possible. Working together is the only way we are going to the other side, and hopefully beat this pandemic, once and for all.

Social Connections Through Physical Distance

For a long while now, all over the globe, people have had to keep a fair distance from each other to stop the spread of the COVID-19. Friends, and families have had to stay apart, no visiting, or getting together for long periods of time. And yet, we have been able to find new opportunities to communicate and stay connected with each other.

It has also given us a chance to find others, people we would not have gotten to know otherwise. It has given us all the opportunity to explore friendships through social media, instant messenger, and video chats. For some, it is all so different, and exciting, and sometimes we just stumble upon meeting people by mistake, and come out finding true relationships, hopefully.

During this time, people have been experiencing each other differently. Getting to know each other is a unique experience in some ways. Personally, talking to someone face to face is a challenge, people can get off subject, and you can still listen. When you are messaging with someone, you need to be able to focus on the words to really understand what someone says, while with video chats, you have to keep facing the person, focusing on their face.

Truly, at this period, I do not know if these experiences will help us stay connected. I guess we will see what happens when we all get the chance to have that first physical meet and greet.

This World We Now Live In

It has been a while now since the coronavirus has spread around the globe, and it has changed just about everything, including the many ways we manage our health in our daily lives, at least for me it has. While being isolated from people, it is also given us a different perspective as well.

For me, it has made me take a harder look at both my general health, but also how it affects other as well as myself, in public. I've been working on a better routine for myself, starting with having a regular exercise workout, and healthy eating habits. I work on keeping clean, including taking care of personal hygiene, as well washing my hands on a regular basis.
Now that physical distance is strictly required, there are different ways to communicate with others, enter social media. We’ve been able to use live streaming, and other mediums in ways we hadn’t before. Churches have been able steam through using Facebook, and YouTube. And friends, and family have been able to video chat, seeing each other.

If one does have to out in public, many have been finding ways to limit the spreading of germs. Quite a few stores have public sterile wipes, and different sanitizers. And many people have been using face masks, some custom and/or homemade ones.

All of this is to help fight the virus that has a firm grip all over the world. However, we as people, have managed to keep going, and have been able to adapt. Hopefully soon, a cure will be found, or the virus will fade into the background. All we can do is keep living our lives.

Dealing with What’s Happening

It’s been difficult for many of us around the world. The coronavirus has changed a lot of our lives, at least for me it has. While being isolated from most people, it's also given us a different perspective. It’s made me take a harder look at both my general health, but also how it affects me outside, in public.

I’m working on discovering what I can do right now, from home, for my physical, and mental wellbeing. There are projects we can do, along with getting the house cleaned and sorted they way that you like. You can go over all your personal papers, and ephemera, try to figure out what you what you want, and what you really need. On the other hand, you can go over all your digital files, and try and make room for everything.

We can even work on improving our regular routines like I’ve been doing. Balancing everything, figuring out what we need to accomplish, and what really want to do. For example, finding time and ways to exercise in the day. Managing any stress and anxiety that can creep in on you, and dealing with it through meditation, and/or prayer.

For example, this individual does her best to get up each day, get tea/coffee and breakfast going, does housework on and off throughout the day, then takes a break and stretches, and works on her computer. Then she takes moments to pray for her loved ones, and all the others in the world, and their loved ones. We all need to deal with what’s happening and manage our lives the best way we can.

Prayer for Nashville and Others in Tennessee

Some time ago, I'd heard about the tornado that hit Tennessee, and the devastation in Nashville. For me personally, it was terrifying to her, because my sister does not live that far from this incredible city. I still have photos from a car ride in Nashville, and it breaks my heart.

I felt a need to reach out, so after I texted my sister, I called a friend of mine from our church, and I told him of what happened, so hopefully, all of us can pray for the loved ones lost, and the ones left behind, and some way, all of us can help rebuild.

Different Types of Communities

There are all kinds of different communities, groups of people who share some commonality, something that connects them. Here are some examples I’ve been thinking about, out of great many all over.

Since people have seen all kinds of benefits from down-sizing, tiny homes have been gaining popularity. With time, communities have been coming together, where groups of people who’ve come to change their lifestyles, out of circumstance, and/or choice.

Communal workplaces are another unique example. Places where groups of people: artists, entrepreneurs, and/or freelancers, can come work alongside one another is fascinating to someone like me. One can even be inspired by those around them.

These are just are some of the ways people have built inspiring communities in the present and future, both to work and co-exist. Who knows what will happen if we all find different, creative ways to live.