Isolation is a bit of an issue for some people. Looking at our friends as they post their lives on-line, we see the wonderful ways some people get to recharge their batteries. They bake, read books, and revel in the lazy days of relaxation and reflection that being home can provide . . . that lasts about a day for an extrovert. While I like quiet time with books, listening to music or working out with my headphones on, none of these things feed my need to be around people. These are not places that charge my batteries. I also know that I am not alone in that. Extroverts need connection to recharge.
So, how do we go about recharging and reconnecting in a time of self-isolation and social distancing? What are some idea we can do to ensure that we are spatially careful but soulfully open?
- Go get some air in the great outdoors. While the Chief Medical Officer has recommended against going to provincial and national parks due to the potential for overcrowding, she still recommends getting outside. In Canada, we are blessed to have the room to move without having much threat of bumping into others. The Edmonton river valley, the natural areas around Hinton and the big skies of Westlock offer room to move. We can walk and breath in the beauty of the coming Spring. Just yesterday on a walk we saw pussy willows – a sure sign that spring is on the way!
- One of the things I need to do regularly is to go for a visit with my friends at a local establishment. The laughter of good friends and the on-going chatter keeps the spring in my step. Now, the establishments are shut and the laughter is muted. Instead, let’s get together for an on-line laugh. Set up “meetings” where you and your friends can share some laughs and enjoy the company through an on-line site. Schedule it! If it’s important, it should be scheduled!
- Participate in on-line chat groups. There are groups for everything you can think of out there. Into model cars – there’s a group out there. Into travelling on the cheap – there’s a group out there. Into nuclear fusion – there may be a group out there. I actually have no idea but you get the point. These on-line groups have the potential for you to meet like minded people while learning. What a fantastic opportunity!
We all have the option to wallow in self pity, hoping that the virus will fade sooner than later but we also have the option to use this as a challenge. What’s out there for me that I have never explored before? What does this “new normal” have to offer some of my interests? Is there an opportunity to take this time and learn – to grow? How can I make this obstacle the best thing that ever happened to me?
Now, I’m not saying that this is an easy time. Far from it. I struggle with it as much as the next person. That being said, I also stretch to find things that keep my tank full. Let’s do this and see if we cant find a silver lining in this dark cloud.
Be well – keep learning!
Dave
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