|
Dear Readers,
Despite everything going on in the world, especially as it concerns the Covid-19 pandemic, now is a good time to remind ourselves that what happens today is only a moment in time.Â
I live in San Francisco. Currently, California has over a thousand cases of the virus, and there have been nineteen deaths as of today. Like the Los Angeles Metroplex, the Bay Area’s seven-county area has had a "shelter in place" order in effect for over a week now. This means all restaurants, bars, retail stores—and yes, sadly, bookstores—as well as other non-essential businesses are closed. (This does not include, grocery stores, banks, pharmacies, and gas stations. Restaurants are closed but are permitted to provide take-out, and home delivery.
At this point, those who work ceaselessly during this event—first responders, medical professionals, support staff, pharmacists, grocery, bank clerks, and service station attendants—are the saints among us.
Our governor has been vigilant since Day One. Just yesterday, he called for a state-wide mandate to shelter in place. This is the only way to flatten the curve of infections.
Now that the virus has been detected in every state, other large cities, New York— for example—are following suit.Â
Obviously, the disruption is upsetting. Many of my friends and family members will see a reduction in their pay, or experience temporary layoffs.
If like me, you are now sheltering in place, I hope you'll do your best to consider the upside of the situation. For example:
1: Take stock of your food provisions. If you can't find what you usually buy, try something new.
Panic runs to the grocery store and wiping out the shelves as if you're a contestant in a fill-your-cart sweepstakes means spending your hard-earned money on food items you may never use.
Instead, make a list. Take your time going through the aisles. If something you always buy is gone, try something new. My family has discovered at least three substitute food items that we'd never eaten before and probably wouldn't have even considered if our usual staples weren't around. These items are now on our permanent shopping list.
2: Use your downtime mindfully.
Use it for some deep spring cleaning. Get rid of things that you'll never use that take up precious space in your closets and cabinets.
Fresh air and exercise will help keep you healthier. Even if you can't go to the gym or play in any league games, go out for long walks. In our shelter-in-place mandate, it is encouraged, although we've been told to stay six feet away from others or walk together if you cohabitate.
The upside: in our city, where neighborhood streets can be busy with numerous people passing each other in silence or lost inside their earbuds. Now, when we cross paths with the few others on the street, we all say hello. This is a small gesture that lifts the soul.
3: Create something.
Crochet a scarf. Work on a song, a poem, a book, or an essay. Bake something. Paint something, be it old furniture needing a touchup, or a watercolor of a lovely landscape. Then share it online, so others can admire your work.
4: Read. It's the best way to stay inspired and to learn something new.
It's also the best way to put your mind in a different place.
To that end, feel free to download one of my free books from your favorite bookstore. You’ll find the links included above, in this email.
I also have reduced the price on two other books to $2.99. Their descriptions and links are here, too.
When I read, I enter another world. You could call it a form of escapism—not a bad idea during times that test our strength and our patience.
I feel certain of only one thing, better days are ahead!
Warmest regards,
—Josie
|
