Do you feel like life will never return to normal? Does the future seem like a dim, unending nightmare of isolation? Do you fear that the habits we have acquired will forever dampen the bright spontaneous spirit of social life? Does despair feel like the only realistic response to world conditions?
I know many people feel this way. I myself, having survived the COVID-19 disease, having spent weeks in hospital, at times near death, have passed through the terror and pain and am now tasked only with enduring a slow and patient recovery period. But for those of us seeking useful tips for getting through these frustrating, maddening times, I searched the Web and found some good material, links to which appear below.
Today’s podcast is a 25-minute one-take piece in which I range fairly widely, and in a very personal way, on how to maintain sanity through the pandemic. I decided to record it all of a piece, not stopping to use audio editing tools to cut or tighten, but just letting it roll, 25 minutes of me musing on this and that in a way that, I hope, will reach you in a personal way, as one friend talking to another. If this method seems to work, if it is not too embarrassing, or too diffuse and meandering, I may just adopt it as my method. Me, out on the tightrope, trying not to look down. –CT
“Looking to the future was possible when we naively felt that that future wasn’t that far away.”
“Weary. Angry. Tired. Scared. There’s a good chance you’ve felt at least one of these emotions in the last few weeks as we all cope with the challenges of COVID-19. … Another easy thing to do is to pay someone else a compliment. Random acts of kindness have incredible benefits for both the giver and the receiver. … Another option is to write a letter to COVID-19 and tell it what you think about it.”
Coping with the lockdown: “I decided to make birthday cakes for all my friends in lockdown living in London, and hand-deliver them by bike (and write about it). It: a) made me feel as though I was helping others by showing I was thinking of them and giving them a real person to talk to in a socially distanced way; b) gave me a creative purpose; c) got me out and exercising (and exploring London like I had never done before).” Valerie Saint-Pierre
“Other than eating well and going for a walk nearly every day, our key was (and still is) making sure we end the day with a laugh by watching an old comedy show on TV. Initially Citizen Khan, then Last of The Summer Wine and now The Vicar of Dibley; nothing violent, just gentle humour.” Jan Burch
As some countries ease coronavirus restrictions, mental health experts are noticing an emerging phenomenon; anxiety about life after lockdown. “All you can do is tell yourself that this will end eventually.”
Plus, a rather startling find: An Italian living alone!
Thank you. I haven’t left the house in 13 days because I don’t want to be around the virus or anybody who’s unstable mentally. Your words give me comfort knowing that it’s okay to isolate myself right now. We’re six days past the inauguration, so I feel more hopeful about our country. I’m glad you’re doing well.
Hi Cary – glad you’re recovering and still sharing. This is a tough time in so many ways for the world. We have to hope that we can all pull together and make some good of this terrible time. Take care.
So good to hear you getting stronger, and that you are full of hope in these strange, crazy, and uncertain times. Hang in there, and thanks for sharing your thoughts, dreams, and prayers.
Hi Cary. I listened to your audio much like I was listening to my radio so I don’t mind you sending your views this way. I’m glad you are feeling better and getting better day by day. I manage Covid blues by going for walks around my neighbourhood. It helps me keep tabs on the weather, neigbours and just happenings like garbage days and other things. Inside my house I might argue more with my retired husband putting him in line;) or do puzzles, watch tv or go online. I agree with everything you said. Mostly about the burdens Americans carry in their daily lives that we in Canada don’t. Our healthcare system takes care of us from birth of our babies to covid etc. We don’t have fear of loosing our homes like they do in the States. I lived there for 14 years so I know. I believe part of the reason for this insurgence deep down has more to do, or has it’s footings in the fact that most of these people are in their 40’s and feel ‘more fearful’ as they age and ‘Trump’ hasn’t alayed their fears and worries any in his entire presidency. You made good points Cary. Take it easy.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers for us.
Thanks for another Thursday lifeline, Cary.
I also live in a little house in an old city. Somewhere I have always been happy to turn the key in the front door. Going out, coming home. Grateful for my home, thankful to be safe and secure.
I rarely see my neighbours now. Now an adverb with a broadened job description. Now that now means the last year.
My neighbours are still there. We phone each other from the other sides of shared walls. But the bricks and mortar of my house feel like a solitary boat floating in a dark ocean now. Now, as in the last weeks.
I don’t like living at sea.
That’s what your podcast offers – the chance to dock my boat for a while and have someone else do the thinking, the talking, and offer good thinking and talking.
I really do prefer to listen right now.
Thanks for continuing to make your recordings, especially when you have been ill and are recovering.
You sound stronger, stay safe in your nest.
I’m listening, and grateful to hear your voice still in the world. Take care of yourself, please.
I have nothing to say, Cary except “thank you.” Your radio signal was received and appreciated.
Take care…it’s good to hear your voice getting stronger.
Love to you and Norma.