After another dry spell with my writing, I just have to post something about the return to life!! I’m not saying return to life “as we know it” because that life I’m afraid is really and truly behind us and not coming back. But with the vaccinations and still monitoring mask-wearing and distancing, we are coming back to the world of the living.
I don’t think things will ever be the same as before. So many have mourned the loss of loved ones brought on in one way or another by Covid-19. If you yourself haven’t lost a friend or family member, I’m sure you know someone who has, and it is heart-wrenching. But now we move forward and try to learn how to socialize again; how to hug one another; how to laugh and cry with one another in person rather than over ZOOM or SKYPE or WEB-CAM. Do you remember the feelings that accompany all this? The touch of a hand; a smile not covered by a mask; putting arms around another human being rather than a stuffed animal. It seems like a lifetime ago since we were able to do so. But let us remember to respect one another. Some people may not yet feel comfortable going without a mask or having close contact with another person. Respect that person’s choices and don’t denigrate their feelings. We are all moving forward as best as we can in the best way we know how.
Then we have the people who actually are feeling quite anxious at the thought of coming out of the four walls that have surrounded them for the last 15 or 16 months. These people didn’t get antsy being confined to home, they were actually more comfortable doing so. And where does that leave them now that everything is opening up again? It leaves them feeling vulnerable and panicky and out of their element. Seclusion was a balm to them, not a chore. Isolation comforted them, it didn’t drive them crazy. You might be thinking I’ve lost my mind saying that there are people who don’t want to come out after all that’s happened, but this is no joke. The feelings that surround and bombard these people are very real. Going out the door causes a near panic attack rather than excitement. The thought of being around another person brings on fear instead of comfort. Leaving the calm and quiet of their home brings on dread instead of peace. And all these feelings are very real and very frightening.
So what do you do if you are one of those people? Take it slow and easy. Work at rejoining the human race at your own pace. Remember that talking to people in person is just like talking to them over the computer – except you’ll be closer to them. And DON’T PUT YOURSELF DOWN!! There is nothing wrong with you if you’re finding it difficult to walk out the door. You’re just going to be doing so at a slower pace. Ease into putting yourself “out there” again. But . . . (don’t you know already there’s always a “but”?). In all seriousness though, if you find yourself facing a full-blown panic attack and have literally a physical reaction to going out again – seek help. Talk to your doctor, a counsellor, a pastor and/or a friend. You don’t have to re-enter the world of the living by yourself. Find someone to go out with; seek courage through prayer; start by visiting a neighbour – anything that would help ease the fear of going out. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: there is nothing wrong with seeking help if you’re overwhelmed. Sometimes it takes more courage to ask for help than it does to stay quiet and deal with things on your own. And be patient. You’ve been out of the mainstream for quite some time and it may be slow going at first. Again, please don’t put yourself down if that is the case. The world is full of a whole variety of people and you are among them.
In conclusion, whether you are flying out the door or stuck on your couch; whether you’re a social butterfly or a quiet persona; whether you’re running out the door or only walking towards the door; remember to take care of one another. Be kind and patient and courteous. If you are out and about and see someone who looks very unsure and seems to cringe from people, gently say hello to them and ask if you can help in some way. Don’t overwhelm them but let them know with a smile and a nod that all will be O.K. You might be surprised at the reaction you get – a smile in return and a quiet “thank you”. You will be remembered for your gentleness. So, stay safe, stay kind, and stay healthy.
Until next time,
Inge
Life! And we're still here! Humble stumbles & bumbles! 