Begin Again (The Virus Edition)
My first blog post in two years was in the works. It’s called Begin Again, my reintroduction to the blogging world. I’ve worked through and come out on the other side of change. I’ve emerged into my 60’s with renewed focus. This post was to be my second Hello World, my start-all-over-again post.
In light of the world situation, dealing with COVID-19, words about me don’t seem important. What’s important is us – all of us.
As we put faith in our leaders and healers to show us the way to the other side of great uncertainty, we make our own personal choices, daily. Many of us are in self-isolation which gives us plenty of time we didn’t have before the virus. We can use this time however we choose. We can use it to clean out closets, sanitize our homes, to entertain our children, to watch Netflix or the news, to reach out virtually to loved ones, to create or, simply, reflect.
In reflecting, I think about who I want to be as I navigate this stressful and unfamiliar territory. I’m asking myself:
- how will I remain calm,
- how will I stay healthy,
- how will I love those I can’t be with and,
- how will I love those I don’t know at all?
- How will I contribute to the greater good?
We are in a transition of historic scale. Through the Coronavirus crisis, it seems to me that the world is receiving a collective wake up call.
At this point we are all wondering about what the other side of this crisis will look like. We ponder questions like:
- How will we transition from life as we’ve known it to the unknown?
- What, from life before COVID-19, will end?
- What from before COVID-19 will we carry forward?
- As we emerge on the other side, what will begin anew?
One thing is certain – the world will never be the same. Let’s take the best and leave the rest. Let’s focus on what is truly important to our quality of life. Let’s hold space and compassion for those who need support. Let’s love like never before.
When we find our way to the other side of COVID-19, we must be ready to begin again.
How are you doing? Where are your thoughts taking you today? What are your questions? Can you use your journal to write on some of the questions above or some of your own?
Let’s stay connected in the comments below.
Kathi
As a mother of two grown children, I am transitioning through the empty nest and embracing my writing life. My desire is to connect family by sharing legacy stories and my hope is that I inspire you to do the same. Together with my children, we venture into new lives, full of optimism and excitement!
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18 Comments
Karen
Well written Kathi with so many questions about how we deal with our daily very different life right now, you have provided questions in how we move forward. Forward thinking and connecting virtually is an important asset right now. Thanks for the written words! Take care!
Kathi
Great to hear from you, Karen. I am thinking of how this virus is effecting the travel industry and your kids. I hope you are all holding up well during this crazy time!
Uncle Allan
AWESOME…… AGAIN, Kath. As I move into my later years, I sincerely hope that we will be able to get back to some sort of normalcy, whatever that is, but I do expect that it will be a ‘new’ normal….. Love ya
Kathi
What a way to celebrate a milestone birthday, Uncle Al. We’ll have to make up for it when this is behind us. xo
Dottie
Kathy, what a thoughtful and reflective write! I haven’t really thought about the “after.” I’m just going day by day. I’m afraid if I think too far ahead this time will drag. But it would be good to at least consider what lies ahead. I’m so glad to see you back here. I’ve always loved your posts and look forward to more. Love to you and your family. Take care of yourself and them!
Kathi
Day by day is the best strategy right now, Dottie. We’ll get through this together. Love to you and stay safe!
Katherine Matiko
Hi Kathi, so good to read your words again in this space. Wish we could meet at Good Earth again and work on our writing. Your blog is hopeful and beautifully written, thank you.
Kathi
It does feel good to be writing and posting again but, I so miss our writing sessions Kathy! When this unbelievable time is behind us we must make a plan to connect in person. Hugs.
storywriter22
I turned 55 recently & am adjusting to being officially senior. I enjoy your blog. Yes, this is a time of transition for all of us.
Kathi
Thank you so much for following, Storywriter22. Life is already different for gals our age. It will be interesting to see just how different our lives will be once we get to the other side of this. 😉
Vaughan
Hi Kathi,
A breath of fresh air in this era of doom and gloom. Glad to see that you are starting to write again.
Vaughan
Kathi
Thank you, Vaughan. Glad to see you here!
Aunti Jo & Uncle Jack
We love your post and appreciate the thoughts..
Kathi
Thanks to both of you! I appreciate your visit to my blog. xoxo
Della
Welcome back, Kathi. I’ve missed you. Thank you for this beautifully written post. I am trying to surround myself with as much positivity as I can, in this uncertain time and going forward. This is a big reset and we will learn from it. Love you.
Kathi
Thank you, Della. We can’t ever share too much positive energy in times like these, can we? Love you, too!
Lynette J MacCulloch
Glad to see you back doing one of your favorite things to do. This Covid 19 is certainly a life modifying experience. It doesn’t matter if you are sick or not or know someone who is sick, everyone is affected and it is quite shocking to see how some people are reacting to it. I have to admit I am really enjoying the quieter streets when I walk to and from work, but going for a run can be a little like playing dodge ball , trying to avoid getting too close to other people or groups of people. Some people are taking it very seriously, some are just enduring the rules and some are blatantly disobedient.
I long for it to be over but in the meantime, it really does make you appreciate what you have. Health comes to mind right away, family, friends who do care about you, seeing the full moon even if it was very briefly, sunshine, beautiful warm sunshine.
Last night I inadvertently stumbled upon the 10th Anniversary of Les Miserables you tube video. I watched all 2 hours and 27 minutes of it while knitting. At the end they had all the Jean Val Jeans from the different countries version of Les Miserables come on stage and they all had a chance to sing a verse of music in their own language. It was really moving. I feel like yes we have a lot of heroes right now with our pandemic and I appreciate them all, but I kind of feel like Jean Val Jean is a hero that everyday people could emulate. And Victor Hugo ?? Magnificent writer.
Kathi
Hello Lynette! I have always considered myself a grateful person yet, during this time of COVID, I am even more so. We have so much. I, too, just want this to be over. I want to hug my kids, my sisters, and my friends again. In the meantime, I hope we can stay connected in whatever form we can and take time for the important creative things that we tend to put off when life is busy. I’ve loved the videos of everyday people who have come together to sing for us, the poets who are sharing their own work by reading in live sessions on Facebook, etc. It is in the moments of taking time for these that I feel hopeful for us and the world. Take good care!