The Covid Pandemic and Quarantine life: What I know and what I do not know.

Dear Avery,

One of my very favorite classes in high school was creative writing. We’d come in every day and write for the first 10 mins on the topic Ms. Angelone put on the board. One day it said: “What I do know, and what I do not know”. Write down the things you know, and then the things you don’t know. What’s interesting about this exercise is the journey that your mind takes you on. Of course it’s easy to write about the things you know for sure, but where do you start with what you DO NOT know? Ahhh… that is the magic of the human brain and listening to your soul’s inner voice. If you take the time to think on these things, answers do come.

So I decided to do this exercise around the pivotal time in our history — the Covid crisis and our new found life of quarantine. There is too much information out there — valid and invalid. Too many opinions that crowd the larger, united voice we need to listen to. Too many feelings on what is right for each individual. I needed an outlet to gather my thoughts about what was causing me stress and what was giving me joy.

Here is what I do not know

• I do not know where the true source of truth lives. Which outlet to believe and which to not believe.
• I do not know which rules to truly follow given the inconsistencies among local, state, and federal mandates.
• I do not know whether I’ve had the virus (for sure) because I’ve yet to be tested.
• I do not know whether I’m a carrier for this, and in turn, could harm others.
• I do not know why this pandemic is polarizing the human race rather than bringing us together.
• I do not know what the future will look like for my son once he enters this world. But I know we will face it together.

 

 

Here is what I do know

• I’m not an expert in healthcare or in how the economy should run. I have my opinions on the matters, but I’m not an expert in either field.
• This has become more of a political issue, than a human issue. I know this needs to be a human issue first.
• I know this is a US election year, and therefore, politics will inevitably play a major role in who is to blame and who “got it right”.
• I know that official leaders do not have an easy job. I know there are layers and layers of uncertainty when they have to make any decision. One decision might be good for overall health, and be a terrible economic decision. I know that there massive flip side advantages and disadvantages. I can only imagine how hard it would be to take your personal view out of those equations for the greater good of the people you serve. I applaud the leaders that act on data and expert advice rather than their own personal gain.
• I know that this is a WORLDWIDE pandemic, and therefore, NOT a US government hoax.
• I know that I’m worried for the well-being of others, especially those with preexisting conditions and the elderly.
• I know as a first-time pregnant woman, these are uncharted waters. We don’t fully know the extent in which babies can be harmed. And it’s my obligation to keep my unborn child safe from any harm.
• I know that I’m trying my best not to judge other’s differing opinions, and some days, it doesn’t work. Other days, my emphatic heart tries to see the other side clearer.
• I know that I’m not a “sheep” because I am trying to do what I believe is right. And that people have no right to call another person that.
• I know that we are not in the same boat. Each of us has our own situation. Large families to care for or single and alone, unemployment or working from home, depressed or content. There are various situations and it’s not a one size fits all.
• I know that I love and miss my friends and family, and now appreciate more than ever, the time we do get to share together (text, calls, zoom, or social distancing groups)
• I know that this quarantine time has proven that my partner and I do work really well together, and we’ve both enjoyed the slow down with each other – making me love him even more.
• I also know that other people have not been so lucky in relationships. This time has proven that their partners are not right for them and now they are stuck – faced with hard realities.
• I know that I hear birds chirping more, feel the sunshine on my skin, and appreciate a nice breeze while being outside because I’ve given myself time and space to notice it all.
• I know that I’ve taken more interest in house plants so I feel more connected to nature.
• I know that we will get through this. Even if it isn’t the “normal” we once lived… we are smart enough to evolve to the next phase of what is right for Mother Earth and the human race.

 

The best part of this exercise is that it’s yours alone. No one can refute you because it’s what we know and what we don’t know from our personal experiences. I think it’s a healthy thing to do when you are in an uncertain time of your life. It opens up doors in your mind that you haven’t given space to process. I’ve been writing these for about 2 weeks now — processing as I go — and then sprouting new things. Our souls speak to us in various ways, so actively listening is the key.

I hope you do this exercise for yourself. Watch it evolve over time. Watch yourself grow. Watch yourself learn. Watch yourself adapt.

With love,

Aunt Megs