Shelter in Place Epiphanies

Like many of you, I am learning more about myself and life as we all go through this pandemic.  With so many unknowns surrounding us, I wanted to take this time to share a few epiphanies I have had during this journey. This is a time to share the gifts and teachings we have experienced during this ride and hopefully learn from each other and once again realize, we are all more similar than different.

Epiphany #1: It’s not about me, it’s about my fellow human

We are all going through the same thing during this pandemic, with some experiencing more strife than others.  As a global community we have an obligation to respect each other; we don’t have to like each other, but we must respect each other.  For instance, let’s talk about wearing a mask.  A mask helps protect us from those air born contagions that make us super sick, yet, some folks do not wear masks.  Why would someone not want to protect themselves and their families?  If you are protecting yourself, you are protecting others, like the elderly, or people with compromised immune systems.  None of us know everyone’s story, so put on a mask people; it’s a health thing and that’s all.

Epiphany #2:  Food is a basic right and I have a duty

It is unbelievable to me that in this day and age and in a progressive country like the US of A, there are food bank lines miles long.  It stirs up two emotions in me, gratefulness, and sadness.  Seeing those lines and hearing the stories, triggers me to reflect, count my blessings, and give back.  Paying it forward is imperative and frankly my duty, because I have been so blessed in my life.  Now I am not rich, but I have the means to help.  Nobody, child, or adult, should go hungry or be worried about where their next meal will come from, I mean WTF?!   Something as simple as food, should be just that, simple, and enjoyable.

Epiphany #3: Exercise to feel alive

I have a love hate relationship with exercise, but being under stay at home orders has helped me start to balance out my time to incorporate pieces of exercise into my day, so I can stay physically, emotionally and mentally healthy.  Everyone knows physical activity is one of the keys to good health, but doing it routinely is another story.  Exercising is helping with my anxiety, worry and the occasional fear that creeps in.  I think of it as a natural coping mechanism. My daily goal is to carve out time to just move and I feel so much better after I do.

These epiphanies are a sampling of my growing list.  I am learning and loving the opportunities and light bulb moments I am having during this stressful time.  I am grateful for everything and much more cognizant of my fellow humans.  When a life changing event occurs, it hopefully forces us to slow down, be introspective, consider the role we all play, and hopefully come out all the better.  Be safe everyone.