I M Perfect lady


Lesson from the Virus.

My feelings over the past few weeks have run the gamut; and sometimes all in one day or even in an hour.

Mostly my anxiety has markers of PTSD and my struggle in wanting to control others. These feelings feel like time travelers of walking through my abuse.  Trying to get others to see/feel/understand the severity of doing nothing; and its cost.

And, me failing.

Then, letting go of it all – them all.

It is not in my hands to steer this pandemic.

This is a great relief.

In my control is to put space between me and those who make me anxious.

 

Just as in any human crisis, there are many components, and each of us can only be responsible what is in our sphere of influence.

 

My world, as with most of us, got really small.  There is a peace in that too.  The outside world seems to have darkened or, has gone out of focus. 

The future is way fuzzy.

There is way too much that is unknown.

And, while we believe that we are in a different place, it is really like any other time in life.

We only think we know what the future holds.

We don't.

Perhaps this virus will allow all of us to get comfortable with uncertainty.

To sit with the unknown, and be way okay.

 

Just as I let go of other's and their behavior, I also let go of who will be affected by this Virus and who will not.   It really isn't up to me.  

 

This still means I will do my level best to distance myself from others. To wash, wipe and repeat.  Many times a day. To be aware of what my hands touch.

However, I also am even more aware of the energy in my home.

I don't want panic to dominate.

I do not want these weeks to pass as if we are all holding our breaths.

Instead, I want this time to be looked upon fondly, as we had time to….

Relax more.

Play longer.

Do more art.

Enjoy nature.

It is up to each of us, to feel the breath of our worlds.

 

Tonight my granddaughter and I spent an hour outside. We saw geese and swans flying overhead and ducks and geese in the water. And, we heard their honks and wings flapping. We felt the mud/dirt beneath our feet, felt the wind and sun on our faces. We breathed in beautiful fresh air.  

We talked and planned for her mom's birthday. We will create a simple celebration.

 

The Virus is serious and it is in our present; but we can also keep new routines to make this time pass as normally as possible.  And, to not waste what we have now.  The future isn't promised to any of us.  Let us live, truly live right now.

There is still much freedom to be had each day.

 

It is also amazing how quickly I have not thought about going further than work.  How accustomed I have already become in the small routine of this new normal.

I believe the sooner we do this, the quicker it will pass. 

If we put off living, until – the virus will take from us; prior to actually taking from us.

 

Part of my PTSD or being traumatized and recovering, is not tolerating anxiety and stress and the idea and thoughts that twist my mind about wanting others to behave differently.

I learn, even if it takes me a few weeks, to let go.

To circle back to my own life in a self loving way.

 

Leaving others free to live their lives.

There is a difference inside of me – I feel peace letting the Universe flow and me not trying to bend it into submission in my mind.

 

The old phrase, "Live like you are dying" came to mind.

I will enjoy many beautiful moments that I can – even in the middle of a crisis – or perhaps especially in the middle of one.

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Which is what I want to take as my lesson from the Virus.

 


Responses

  1. Ann Avatar
    Ann

    When we all consider what we took for granted just a few weeks ago. Grocery shopping was not my favorite thing to do. Today, I mentioned to Bogue that it will be so amazing when I can go grocery shopping and not have fear go with me!
    So many simple things: gathering with friends and family, grocery shopping, attending musical events big and small—a movie? All will be treasured a bit more when this cloud lifts.
    I am thankful I have painting. When I slip off to paint, the whole world stays apart, I am in a special place. So grateful for that.

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  2. Judy Avatar
    Judy

    How true. I find myself wanting others to stop stomping their feet and blaming …. and start just doing good and being positive . Yet- as you wrote… that is the need to control . That need seems to be stuck in we who have had troubled childhoods. I have to just” let it be” and keep my own world serene . Easier said than done for when someone posts that this is nothing but “ hype” , my urge to reply with evidence to the contrary takes over. argh. There will always be anti people…. anti everything , it seems. We grow from every crisis and our appreciation of simple freedoms will certainly be much greater after this. I am thankful to live in an area where we can still get out and practice social distancing. Great article, Beth! Thought provoking again!

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  3. I M Perfect Avatar
    I M Perfect

    Yes, it is fearful, for out there, is where the virus lives silently among us. And, we sure do not want to bring it home.
    Those of us who do art have it so much easier. We can just slip into that space and our minds get a rest.
    Be safe and share your art!

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  4. I M Perfect Avatar
    I M Perfect

    I agree, we are more susceptible to ‘wanting to control’ based on our trauma filled childhood.
    And, it isn’t easy, but I do recognize the futileness of it all.
    I hope you and your dogs can just move about and take wonderful pictures to share!

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  5. Joanie Avatar
    Joanie

    Read your thoughts and always feel grateful to know others are aware of their own fragility and emotional memories. So glad you are able to be with your granddaughter and her innocence and wonder! This is a precious gift for any elder to learn from. It is weird to know the opportunity to do more art while ostracized from what was “normal” activities comes with a double-sided sword. Yet, if I stay in the present it really is a gift to enjoy and consider the quiet, solitary space where I can imagine change and decisions I might not have otherwise entertained. Fear is the absence of love and this proves daily now in our world…if there is love, then the ugly face of fear can be acknowledged but we don’t have to embrace it. Keep safe, Beth, and know you are sharing a circle of light and love to all who come in touch with you through your blog as well as your presence on your mail route. Joanie

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