Today was a bright sunny warm day with full blue sky. This is the type of day that makes fall so spectacular. It is unlikely that many more like this will grace us with their presence this year. While I was indoors for much of the day, I did manage to get out for an errand run briefly. It was majestic. We are to get a couple of mainly sunny days next week with warmish temperatures, so I do hope that I can get out to see some leaves and just enjoy a short drive on one of those days.
Sunny days like today bring the desire to spend the days with friends walking, hiking, chatting and sharing good food and drink -- mostly spending time together in the wonderful outdoors. The freedom that we've had over the past several months -- and I know it has still been markedly restrained freedom -- will be behind us soon -- at least in the northern latitudes. Colder temperatures and the arrival of frozen ground cover will make outdoor visits and dining nearly impossible. There will be days when walks can be shared, but there will be less of the masked and distanced outdoor visits. Isolating will be more challenging. We have done this before, so know that we can do it again. In many ways, winter on its own brings less activity outside the home. Remaining vigilant with our personal bubbles and following public health protocols will help us get through the next few months while staying healthy. Make some plans now for things that can be done at home -- besides the inevitable shoveling <grin>. A list of things we want to do and that bring moments of joy, could help us to maintain mental health. Why not plan some viewing parties with whatever streaming service you and other households use? That can be a way of being together for movie night without actually being in the same room. I agree that it isn't the same, but it can help you feel closer to those across town or around the world. Try cooking and sharing dinner together online. Play board games on a virtual games night. Bring a sewing circle,exercise group or book club online to share and converse with others. Be creative and find things that work best for you. I guess the bottom line here is Be Prepared -- and yes, I was a Girl Guide years ago and a tester for some food related badges along the way. <smile>
While thinking through this plan to make plans, I thought of a theoretical construct used in data analysis and futures planning. Rather than address the same question with the same response over and over, we could elevate the response. Take past knowledge and blend it with current knowledge to provide an upward spiral rather than the old, incessant circle. This is akin to hermeneutic circling, should you feel the need for an erudite term today <smile>. So, the bottom line is to think back to what we knew and how we approached isolation in March and refine that approach with what we know now. Use that as the base for making plans rather than goals that don't get addressed, thus making us feel worse about ourselves and life in general. Several lyrics and titles came to mind, but I settled on an older song due its repetitious chorus line -- which is likely more dog chasing its tail than a spiral <smile>. Try not to get stuck in the same old rut. This is a longer version than the original radio version. Interesting and goes with the idea of getting out of a rut or expectations. Stay safe. Enjoy!
Crimson and Clover -- Tommy James
No comments:
Post a Comment