Gratituesday 5.12.20 - The End of a Pandemic

A classmate from high school and fellow New Yorker, Bill Tew posted this article from The New York Times on Facebook yesterday. As a Medical Oncologist here in Manhattan, he knows some things! It speaks about the end of the pandemic and really our way forward to create what we're all calling a new normal.

The quote that resonated with both of us is, "[A]n end can occur not because a disease has been vanquished but because people grow tired of panic mode and learn to live with a disease." Read it again. We need to let the panic go, and learn to co-exist with COVID-19. There is something very empowering about that statement. Hopeful, in fact. It actually allowed me to head out into the sunshine today, and pick up one of the free masks they were giving away in my neighborhood. Because living with this disease is going to require that I wear a mask! And I need CHOICES!

Can we release the panic overnight? Well, most of us can't, but it will happen in time. However, we cannot wait for a vaccine or medication, that will take WAY too long. The end of the pandemic will happen when we look COVID in the eye, make smart and safe choices, and move forward. It's not going away, but we can be mindful and not be held captive.

Of course in the meantime, I take time on Tuesday to reflect. Care to join me? Here are my weekly lists. Feel free to respond to mine, or add your own. Here's to staying healthy and safe, and beginning to release the panic!

GRATITUDES

1. Produce box from Misfits Market

2. Mask distribution in my neighborhood

3. Hot coffee & gin cocktails

4. Sunshine & open windows

5. My amazing group of officiant colleagues - especially as we navigate online ceremonies

VICTORIES

1. I'm afraid to say it, but I think my vertigo is gone!

2. Getting a few virtual ceremony inquiries

3. Continued contact with past couples in yoga and via email

4. Regular Spanish lessons (currently on day 55 of Duolingo)

5. Recording and posting a song for Souper Jenny's virtual cabaret

DESIRES

1. Better time management

2. A mani/pedi

3. A clean kitchen & organized guest room

4. Maxie to stop biting me and screaming when he needs anything

5. For delicious food to magically appear some days. This cooking every meal, every day is getting OLD!