The entire premise of this column can really be summarized this way: “Go! See! Do! There’s an entire world out there – mere miles from where you’re sitting – waiting to be explored.”
Exploration is canceled until further notice, thanks to COVID-19. Cue the Debbie Downer trombone.
I didn’t move downtown almost exactly one year ago to stare at the walls of my apartment, lovely as this apartment is. My husband and I came down here to go out to eat, catch performances at DPAC, take in Durham Bulls games, meet friends at a bar, get together with neighbors, pop into a local shop, explore Sarah P. Duke Gardens. Most of that isn’t possible now. None of it is advised. Is this a first-world problem? Absolutely. But it still stinks. I know you are all in the same boat.
I’m desperately worried for anyone who has or will catch COVID-19. I’m thinking about our medical community and the unthinkable stress they are about to endure. I’m also concerned about the local economy – and the larger global economy. I have relationships with so many small business owners. Plus, I am a small business owner! I’ve already lost some income, and it’s bound to get worse before it gets better – and yet I know that so many businesses are facing much worse circumstances and laying off workers as I type this.
I empathize with anyone who has had to postpone a wedding, a bar mitzvah, a prom, a graduation, a bedside chat with an elderly loved one, a nonprofit fundraiser. So much just went up in smoke. So many happy memories will quite simply not be made over the next weeks and months as trips are canceled, birthday parties are called off, and social visits are put on hold.
I’m concerned for our overall mental health. Stopping the spread of the virus is first and foremost, but we also have to combat loneliness and anxiety. (And the more stressed you are, the more your immune system is compromised!)
A friend texted me the other day, overcome with panic in that moment. She was overwhelmed while thinking about paying bills, staying sane, figuring out her work calendar in this new normal. Here’s what I told her: I’m not saying it will be easy – but try to focus on the good. Make a list of what you are grateful for. Read it every day if you must. Here goes my partial list:
I’m grateful that I live in a nice space. So many people live in cramped quarters and in unsanitary conditions. My heart goes out to them.
I’m grateful that I’m “stuck inside” with a lovely person, my life partner. The person I enjoy being around the most. Will we grate on each other’s nerves? Definitely. But we will communicate our way through it. Think of all the people who are quarantined in toxic – and maybe even abusive – situations.
I’m grateful that my husband’s work recognized the need for social distancing pretty much immediately and agreed to let employees work from home. I work from home every day – I wasn’t seeking an office mate, but I’m glad he’s here.
I’m grateful that I won’t go hungry. Times may get harder. But I’m not at risk of going a whole day without eating. We will be able to cover our bills.
I’m grateful that I have loved ones checking on me regularly – we will need to lean on each other more and more to keep our spirits up. I highly recommend actual phone conversations over texting at a time like this. Kick it ‘90s style!
I’m grateful that I live in a community that exemplifies leadership and careful consideration during such unprecedented circumstances. It’s my understanding that Duke led the charge on getting the ACC tournament canceled. I’m not a Duke fan, but good for them. And I’ve seen all kinds of businesses make responsible decisions – even though these decisions will set them back financially – for the greater good. Let’s be extreme about social distancing now, so that things can get back to normal sooner!
I’m grateful that I don’t have close friends and family peddling conspiracy theories on social media or refusing to exercise the proper precautions. This is not a hoax. The media didn’t cook this up to gain ratings. I genuinely feel for anyone who has to convince their loved ones to believe the facts.
I’m grateful that we have power. Usually when we have a reason to stockpile groceries this way, it’s because a hurricane or snow storm is headed for us. And that usually means the chances are good that we will lose power. I fully expect cabin fever to set in, but thank goodness we have luxuries like Netflix and Hulu. If our ancestors could hunt their dinner and cook it over a fire, we can survive sitting on the sofa and staring at a screen.
I’m grateful that I have a number of work projects to work on and hobbies to keep me engaged. Even when all of my closets are cleaned out and my email inbox is at zero, I can work on my music or do some personal writing.
Stay safe and healthy, everyone. And practice some self-care. Ride around in your car for a bit if you need to escape. Take a bubble bath. Put on your favorite outfit, even if that outfit is a cocktail dress. Have a picnic on your front lawn. Head into your wooded backyard and scream a bit. Find something to look forward to – even it’s a FaceTime session with a friend or a restaurant reservation that you make for seven months from now. Listen to your favorite album. Make yourself a cup of tea. Check on the people in your life. It will be alright, eventually.
After a decade as an editor with various NC magazines, Andrea Cash launched her own creative services company, Andrea Cash Creative, in 2017. She helps small businesses and organizations in Durham and Chapel Hill with content strategy and creation, branding, PR, social media, and video and event production.
Andrea is passionate about community building, doing work that benefits the greater good and helping entrepreneurs grow their business in a purposeful way. Outside of work, Andrea sings in her cover band Penny’s Bend, plays tennis as often as she can, volunteers with Habitat for Humanity of Orange County and Book Harvest, and runs communications for grassroots progressive group FLIP NC.
Love it! Thank you!