I’ve been experiencing a growing sensation that is hard to put into words. It’s very close to that leap of heart and stomach when you take a stride expecting flat ground, but there is a sudden step downwards. The stumble, flail and jolt as your foot makes contact. I guess that is my fight or flight instincts firing.
These last few weeks feel like an out of body experience, watching a moment in history unfold. The world has changed, at least for this fragile moment. Does “oh, those were simpler times” keeps bubbling up in your mind? Carefree, thoughtless moments of a few weeks ago suddenly have a Covid-19 crevasse separating then from now. I feel lucky to even have the space to ruminate on these things while there is such immense loss and fear in China, Italy, Spain… everywhere.
Suddenly, being thrust into working from home with a full-time toddler can feel a tiny bit overwhelming and isolating, but actually it’s really fine, it’s nothing considering what other people are suffering now. And let’s be honest have suffered long before this uniquely global crisis. In a way it has been a shake up and wake up to be thankful for all that is good and solid in my life.
How have you been bolstering morale during social isolation?
I’ve been making a habit of walking the Old Stock Route over the river to the wetland. There is comfort in the gentle vibration of the pram and a familiar path; I can walk it half in a dream. Seeing happy strangers walking their dogs and children, although at a respectful distance, is a comfort too. I am so thankful we have such immediate access to nature where we live.
Ember is a huge help. Her toddler innocence and her constant demands for attention, keep thoughts rooted in the present. Her struggles and triumphs are simple ones: the outrage of a snack too slow coming, the sheer overflowing of joy at a family dance session or the harvest and instant consumption of an autumn raspberry. Both can’t help but put a smile on my face. And to whoever invented toy prams (and op-shops), I am forever in their debt. This little pink number has kept Ember’s otherwise idle hands busy when out in that unsanitised world of buttons and other kid’s sticky fingers (and lunchboxes).
Keep safe and find smiles where you can.
