Written on August 23rd, 2020. This is a journal of my thoughts and feelings during the pandemic of COVID-19.
Well, I thought I had dodged the summer blues this year but it seems to have caught up with me. While at the beginning of the summer I sort of wished time would pass quickly so that we could hopefully move through this pandemic faster, I am now feeling sad that the summer is coming to a close.
I have really enjoyed the last couple of weeks especially taking time away on vacation, even if most of it was spent at home and not going anywhere too exciting. I have enjoyed the sunshine, the water, the breeze, dinners on the balcony, and the long summer nights. I’ve spent a lot of time disconnected from social media, and focusing instead on recommitting to self-care in my routines, reflecting on all of the changes I’ve experienced this year, and thinking about how I want to respond to change moving forward. You can read more about how I have learned to cope with unexpected life changes here.
It has also been nice to have case numbers lower and to feel like we had a respite from the severity of the last few months. I have felt a little less anxious walking out my front door lately, despite of course continuing to take precautions. The good weather has allowed us a lot more time outdoors which has also helped us to feel less trapped and isolated. My husband and I have enjoyed taking hikes, walks in the park, and many trips to the beach.
The best part has been connecting with friends and family who I haven’t seen in months and spending even more quality time with my sweet fur babies. I shared recently the wonderful time I spent with my parents and grandparents this summer. Celebrating our 2 year wedding anniversary was also special, even if it was a little different this year. We dedicated the day to spending time together, enjoyed good food, flowers and gifts, took some new couple photos (which you can see on my Instagram), and generally relished in one another’s affections.
This summer has been a blessing in disguise, much better than I’d thought it would be. I’m really grateful for what this season has brought me and my family. It does go to show that even in the worst of times, life can still pleasantly surprise you.
Fall is one of my absolute favourite times of the year but I have to say that this year I’m not looking forward to it as much as usual. I am worried about the effect of kids going back to school and many people returning to work will have on the number of cases. I can’t imagine what parents, teachers, and other school staff are going through right now.
I also know that the many things I love about the fall won’t be the same this year like thanksgiving and Halloween, and I’m beginning to grieve that. I’m also worried about cold and flu season and how covid will complicate that further.
But I am choosing right now to take the joy wherever I can find it, to revel in it while I can, to fully absorb it, to let it satisfy me, and to give myself compassion and space to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.
Write soon,
Hannah B.L.
HBLogs 