Yes, starting tomorrow, at our house we'll be doubling up on working from home. I teach and manage an academic program at our local university. My hours are flexible, and I have taught online for years - so I feel pretty lucky compared to many. My sweetheart works a facilities maintenance job on campus. His … Continue reading Doubling up
hope
In this together
I suppose it should go without saying that we are all in this together. I find myself frustrated by what appears to be the fueling of petty feuds and escalation of minor problems, when it seems we should be focused entirely on keeping our communities well and safe. And yet, we human beings continue to … Continue reading In this together
Nobody told me there’d be days like these
With credit to John Lennon for writing that line borrowed from his song "Nobody Told Me," nobody told us there'd be days like these. I had a day yesterday like we'll all have, sooner or later, more than once, most likely. A day heavy with the weight of worry, grief, fear, anger. It was tough … Continue reading Nobody told me there’d be days like these
Start a circle
Social distancing and stay-at-home orders are affecting so many of us. Distance can too easily tip into isolation. I've started a couple of email "circles," just small groups of friends and family checking in via email as we feel able to. We are keeping up with each others' health, work, and day-to-day situations. It feels … Continue reading Start a circle
The air we breathe
More than ever, we are confronted by the reality that we are all connected. The air you breathe is the air I breathe. None of the divisions that we tend to create - political or social - mean anything to a virus. To a virus, we are simply hosts, passing breath to breath. Perhaps it … Continue reading The air we breathe
Reframing
Change is tough, even when it's good. When change comes from outside our control and forces us out of our routines, we can easily feel overwhelmed. Overwhelmed people are sometimes tempted to deny or minimize the source of their worries. We all do this, at times. So today I talked to a friend who is … Continue reading Reframing
Sometimes, it's what you don't give
Every spring should be like this: warm afternoons, cool nights, not much w*nd. (We can't say it out loud here, it's a superstition. If we say the word, it kicks up to about thirty-five miles an hour.) A couple of days ago, we had a bonfire; yesterday, my throat hurt a bit. Smoke, I thought, … Continue reading Sometimes, it's what you don't give
Step outside, if you can
If you are in an area where you can step outside, even for a few moments, do so. Here in our valley, it is a gorgeous spring day. I am planning two walks a day, maintaining all the social distance rules, and being sure to wave and smile like crazy at everyone I see. Everyone … Continue reading Step outside, if you can
Focus on others
One way to deal with stress and anxiety is to focus on how we can help others. My employer has asked all of us who are able to work from home. I read a note this morning that reminded me of an important, difficult truth: "home is not safe for everyone." So, today I plan … Continue reading Focus on others
Extraordinary times
During these challenging times, first and foremost, devote your attention to your health and the health of those you love. When and if you have a moment, look here. I'll be sharing ideas of how we can care for one another as our world weathers this pandemic. Today's idea: start each day with three minutes … Continue reading Extraordinary times
Elizabeth Fountain, Author 