In short, it’s tough. Really tough.
Because of my health risks, I’ve been at home for a while now. It’s difficult not to be distracted by articles of people blatantly ignoring the mandates to stay home. Even to this day, some people are just not understanding how important it is to flatten that curve. COVID-19 might not present symptoms right away, so by gathering in groups, people are not only risking their own lives, but others as well. This is the information health experts are telling us. And Prime Minister Justin Trudeau even said today, “Enough is enough. Go home and stay home.”
My husband Bruce and I are both working from home these days. While he’s been extremely productive, my productivity has taken a different route. I started off in 1000% Disability Advocate Mode, imploring people to think especially of seniors and/or immunocompromised people of any age. I even asked some contributing authors of the Spoonie Authors Network to make a video with me, so watchers can see we’re humans, not statistics. I’ve been communicating with other advocates, bouncing ideas off them as to how best to flatten the curve and make wise choices.
I’ve also advised fellow authors not to be hard on themselves if they can’t write at this moment. It’s perfectly acceptable to not be okay right now. It makes sense to have one’s brain occupied by making safe practices a priority.
That being said, I feel it’s also important to give ourselves mental breaks. Some of my friends are sharing their art online, others are performing live readings, others are bingeing their favourite shows or diving into books. I’ve been attempting to draw again, using a tablet this time, to ease my fingers that don’t fing.
Today, after a week’s delay with my client’s approval, I decided it was time to resume my editing work again. I’m glad I did because it’s the second in a cozy mystery series by Laurie Stewart writing as Delilah Knight. The characters are humorous and charming, and the pace of the story is just right. Also, editing takes my brain to a different place. The news can wait for a few hours. I need to do this.
Be gentle on yourselves. While being at home is not new for me, I recognize it’s new for many. There will be adjustments. You’ll do it! And remember that the more we keep on with social distancing, the better chances for our medical staff to remain healthy and be able to treat those who need their care.
I wish you well, folks. Be safe and be wise.
Stay safe and stay home to protect yourselves and others during the COVID-19 pandemic!
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