Day 7 - 109 -- Even More Isolation

Anyone else feel that this isolation thing is getting old or that the novelty is gone? It has left us restless and in need of being with those we miss so terribly much. To keep going into the next weeks, each of us must find our own source of motivation. Public Health messages are designed to motivate people to stay home and physical distance. People are wanting to head back to their old habits somewhat. The sparkle of the first week in isolation wore off quickly and now the adrenaline that kept us going has stopped, too. Yet, this isn't over yet. Mental health affects of guidelines have been recognized since the beginning. We are in a place of collective grief -- and we've been told to stay away from each other. That is counter-intuitive. We generally seek out social supports when in difficulties. With everyone in a similar mental place and overwhelmingly distanced from us in space, supporting them and being supported in return becomes a double burden. While it would be easy to give in to the petulant child in each of us and just go to visit friends for dinner or a party, this really won't help us or others in the long run. Our isolation has had an impact on the curves -- they are beginning to flatten. There will be further need to be separated, but doing so will make the whole process shorter and fewer people will be affected by the infection.

Earlier this week the Prime Minister noted that if we "persist and persevere we will prevail" -- besides the great alliteration in that phrase -- it is correct given all the epidemiology evidence. So, maybe this is the time we need to adult (and I do so hate using nouns as verbs, but this one just fits the context here <smile>). As Brene Brown said on a CBC Radio interview (April 9/20) -- "We stay well together; we stay sick together." This week was the 38th anniversary of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which has choice at its core -- choice to protect others and maintain who we are as a nation. So find the daily routine that will keep you moving ahead and connect with your supporters by distance. Believe me, it helps me get through each day.

I have two songs for today. The first is a song that would come from the place of our inner frustrated child. The second one comes from everyone else who our actions can impact negatively or positively.

Out Tonight -- RENT

Don't Let me Down -- The Beatles