Life During Pandemic: The Smiths
As we step into this time of not having sessions in person for the unforeseeable future, I decided I still wanted to connect with clients and find out how they’re navigating this #SaferAtHome order during the COVID-19 pandemic. Without further ado, meet The Smiths and learn how they’re handling this new life.
K: How are you handling the #Saferathome order?
L: I’d love to say that I’m handling it well, but in truth I’ve just reached a point of acceptance that no matter how hard this is for any of us it’s truly what we need to be doing in this moment. My husband recently had heart surgery (and we’re not that old I promise) so between that and having an autoimmune disease myself we’re part of that group of more vulnerable individuals. So, thank you to those members of our community who really are practicing safer at home measures.
K: If you have kids, how are they doing?
L: I won’t lie it’s been kinda tough. We have a 5 and 8 year old. Our 8 year old is easy going, she’s content to be home always. Our 5 year old is a lot more adventurous so we’ve been age appropriately honest about why it’s important that we stay home right now. They miss some of their out of town destinations but they’re on board with home based adventures. What have you found yourself doing the most? the least? Working honestly. I’ve probably never been busier. In my current volunteer capacities there’s an incredible amount of information coming in, changing rapidly, and needing to be spread quickly from trusted sources of information. As a family we’re committed to that. We’ve changed some of our daily processes to allow for me to have more time to work remotely on those endeavors. A lot of webinars and web conferences.
K: What have you found yourself thinking the most?
L: About whether friends and family are okay. Our family and some of our friends are spread all over the country and we do have two family members on the east coast who have or had the virus and that’s scary. We have aging family that’s more than 800 miles away and not being able to get to them quickly if they needed us can be a paralyzing thought. So we check in on them as often as we can without being annoying and we keep pressing on. I’ve also thought about all of the people and generations who came before us: pandemics, world wards, civil wars, plagues, famines, and so much more. I would love to think that they had moments that felt paralyzing but I’m also clinging to the reality that like Rosie the Riveter they not only survived but they found ways to thrive. So as much as I want to wallow, I’m looking for ways to thrive.
K: Have you tried/done anything you always wanted to do but never had time for before all this?
L: The kids and I did a design from construction paper in our front window. I’ve always wanted to be creative but either lacked the confidence to try or most certainly lacked the confidence to show off a creative endeavor. Well drive by my house and you’ll see some creativity. It’s not huge or splashy but definitely some creativity went into it.
K: In moments of overwhelm, what brings you back to yourself, to the present? (Share any resources--books, music, food, etc. that may help others if you so desire).
L: I organize. Even in my career organization and the placement of items was fascinating and soothing to me. So I rearrange furniture, and bookcases, contents of my bathroom cabinets or dresser drawers. And I message the people I can be completely open with. I think it’s okay that we admit when we’re not okay. I hope that everyone has that kind of a friend or family member in their life.
K: What one positive thing do you keep telling yourself?
L: The only thing constant in life is change. It's actually one of the first things taught to me on my career. It has helped navigate many a challenging day.