Love in the Time of Covid

My dog Grace and I take long hikes every morning and nearly every day we see someone we know walking or running down the same trail.

While observing social distance, we stop and talk about the latest Covid19 news, scratch our heads over the surreal state of politics, and wonder what the future holds for us in this new normal. Over the last two months I’ve noticed these conversations shifting from denial, to anger, to depression – three of the stages of grief.

But lately, I’ve seen something else emerging during our talks; friends tell me they have been using this quiet time to simplify their lives, to reassess what’s important, and to remember what gives their life meaning and purpose. It’s as if Covid19 is forcing some of us to wake up.

A Silver Lining

Although this pandemic was heart stopping at first, self-isolating has given many people the time to do things they would not normally do. Learning a musical instrument, spending time gardening, writing poetry, sewing masks for health care workers, connecting with childhood friends, and reconnecting with themselves are ways which people I have spoken with are using their hours; instead of spinning on the hamster wheel like we did during Pre-Covid times.

I come from a family of hard workers, and probably for the first time in my life, I’m not pushing myself to get things done. To let go of a life time of control is a strange feeling. It is as if I have dropped an essential piece of clothing that I was used to wearing on a daily basis. How could I operate without it?

But over the weeks, as I stayed in this space of being rather than doing, things still got done – different things. I picked up a guitar and am playing – very badly, I’m writing my next book – hopefully that’s better than my guitar playing, I’m cooking healthy plant-based meals, and I am even enjoying cleaning a new room in my house every day. I’m also practicing gratitude in my Paws for the Good Stuff Journal and meditating 22 minutes – which I’m told is an optimal time for body and soul.  

A Little Bit of Grace

Of course, my dog Grace is an unending source of inspiration during these unprecedented times. If it weren’t for her, I might still be submerged in one of the stages of grief instead of laughing at her bouncing around the yard, or finding her nose in my armpit every morning, or smiling every time she snores.

Because of Grace, Ken and I are connecting even more. Many nights we cuddle on the couch, a big white dog sandwiched between us, watching the sunset over the Sandia Mountains. Laying around and doing absolutely nothing is no small hurdle for two A-type personalities. But now that we’ve surrendered to the ritual, I am grateful for the calm it brings us and the reminder that these small moments are what’s important. This is what love in the time of Covid looks like for us. What does it look like for you?

Stay Pawsitive,

Carlyn

PS: Is there one way that the Covid19 has made your life a little more pawsitive?  Please share your story in the comment box below.