The Day Before:
How COVID-19 has changed our lives things that bring me joy
The emotions of sheltering in place look like a graph with a million slopes. One moment it feels like this is fine. The girls are happy, and I just cooked a meal without burning the house down. Then the next moment there are tears, the house looks like a tornado, and my mind will not stop worrying about the world.
One thing that I would like to see is a movie of what everyone was doing the day before their lives changed. If we each knew what we know now, would we have lived that day differently?
As I scroll through my phone at photos during this time, the emotions are big. I can see the days I was really trying to knock it out of the park. Then the days I was grateful for the small victories. But my view is different. I think about people who I may have not been close to for years. My mind wonders how they are and why we drifted apart? After that, I think about everyone I am close with and am grateful they are in my life. All of this has made my mind go back to square one. When I see people again, it will feel like seeing them for the first time. Petty things that clogged our brains or seemed important do not anymore.
Masks made by Auggie Lamb Designs in OKC
Everyday Ways to Help
The concern for so many in the world is larger than my heart can honestly process. From those who have lost their lives to COVID, to the medical teams risking their lives while missing their families. For the big celebrations that are not happening for too many. Weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, baptisms…the list goes on…celebrations have been canceled or postponed. I worry about all of those who are hungry, have lost a job or are experiencing mental breakdowns. Helping during chaos makes me feel better. But at this time, there is not a ton I can do to help on a large scale. So I thought of things that are small but can create ripples.
Texting a friend
Each day, I am trying to check on a new friend. To make sure they are okay and know they are loved. I am working on supporting a small business in some way and staying up-to-date on ways the Tulsa community is supporting the less fortunate. I am giving grace to everyone I know. This one is still a work in progress, but I’m attempting to be okay with this new normal. Most days I do not complete my to-do list. I fear my girls’ brains are shrinking due to the small amount of school work we complete.
Bright Lights
Then, the world is showing the helpers. The world is showing bright lights in the darkness. These are the moments my heart holds on to. How on an average week the girls would spend more time away from me. The ways people are celebrating birthdays. The drive-by parades, door drop-offs of gifts and notes. All the musicians who come to neighborhoods to spread good vibes. The helpers that gather funds and drop off gift cards to healthcare workers. Restaurants donating proceeds from gift card sales to employees that got let go. Hotels that have donated rooms to health care workers so they can be safe from their families. Local artists coming together to create for causes. The online opportunities to see inside museums, musicians performing, artists teaching us a new skill and aquariums showing us a glimpse into their worlds.
Amazing things to brighten your day:
- https://explore.org/livecams This site has the best live cams for seeing animals from all across the world.
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- http://artzyone.fineartstudioonline.com/ Every single day, Linda Dunbar puts paintings outside her home for all to enjoy!
- https://www.facebook.com/emilywebbdesign/ One of the many artists creating custom work where proceeds are given to local non-profits.
Photo and artwork by Emily Webb Design
- https://www.facebook.com/pg/DoubletreeTulsa – Donating free rooms to medical workers.
- https://www.facebook.com/groups/702029363674341/– Crayon creations by Liberty- She makes name crayons. This project is set up to help pay for her daughter’s hearing aids.
Road Trip Ideas
We are planning to go on some of these OK road trip adventures to help break up the cabin fever. Here is our list. But would love for suggestions.
Blue Whale
Woolaroc
Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/tallgrass-prairie-preserve/
Robbers Cave State Park
https://www.travelok.com/state-parks/6415
Cactus Snowcones
Photo from Cactus Cones’ Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/cactusconescowetaok/
I am sending huge air hugs to everyone. Please keep sharing with me all the stories of kindness you see. When the world feels extra heavy, it helps poke those holes of light into my heart.
