Daily thought: There are a lot of friendly, helpful and decent people in this world. We seem to lose sight of that when we isolate at home or, spend most of our time listening to the media and following drama filled social posts.
Point to ponder: COVID forced many, or most of us, to stay home for an unforeseen length of time. When life started returning to the pre-pandemic way, some of us found a new normal that we aren’t so interested in letting go of. But when we do get out and interact, we are reminded how healthy and good it is to encounter people – the friendly, helpful and decent ones.
Soulful reflection: (Disclaimer: This probably only applies to my fellow introverts).
My pre-pandemic schedule was crazy. It was non-stop between work, socializing and activities. I rarely kept food in the fridge, didn’t have one plant nor could I have imagined wanting it any other way. Funny thing is, it took COVID to make me realize that wasn’t the life I wanted – or, needed. But I had no idea at that time.
Today, my life is back to the steady rhythm of busy, yet drums to a different beat. My life is full of what I once referred to as my soul work – writing, baking, creating, volunteering – but void of excess running around and what I’ve found to be superficial socialization.
I was the queen of delivery, everything right down to groceries. I now find myself getting back out, doing the errands and participating again in some day to day activities. Funny, I unknowingly missed this. It was a reminder that there are kind and happy people we encounter (jerks, too, as always, because a lot of them exist); a reminder that there is a whole world outside my door that it seems I’d kind of forgotten about. As an introverted extrovert, it can be easy to fall into my solitary ways.
But a trip to Market Basket, the drugstore and other places – something I’d always enjoyed – can be enjoyable and uplifting. A bit of idle chit chat and some shared smiles can shift one’s perspective and brighten the day, even if you think it won’t. There’s a lot of good out there surrounding us in these tumultuous times. Get out and see for yourself.
