These are challenging days. Today Michigan went on official Shelter In Place mode, meaning everything except essential services will be closed, and people are mandated to stay home with the exception of trips for food or other necessary supplies.
Here at my house, we’ve been doing that for the past two weeks anyway. Still, it’s sobering to hear the Governor proclaim it as law.
I wrote this morning that my plan was to remain “a good foot soldier in the Stay At Home Army.” Those really are our “marching orders,” as a nation, and I wish more people would take it seriously and adhere to it. This COVID-19 virus is a strange but dangerous enemy, and we won’t defeat it without strong commitment and sacrifice from every single one of us.
My days are surprisingly full. I’ve never been one who has trouble finding things to do at home. And home has always been my sanctuary. Between reading and writing, walking the dog, cooking meals, playing a little piano here and there, the days actually fly by. We’re fortunate to have a lovely community to walk outdoors in, and enough fellow dog walkers to even have some daily (appropriately distanced) social interaction which helps immensely.
To keep anxiety at bay, I’ve found my writing rehab practices are doing double duty. The morning routine is sacred: an hour of time spent reading and writing (whilst steering clear of all Internet and news) starts the day in the right direction, as does a long walk outdoors. I’m taking care of my self with daily quiet time here in my Creative Cave in the basement, daily doses of vitamin C and Zinc, and actually sleeping quite well at night.
And I’m spending quite a bit of time looking out my favorite window, a cup of coffee close at hand, watching the birds flock to the feeders, oblivious to the upheaval in the human world around them.
I have a couple of exciting new writing projects in the works, plus the Monday Musings newsletter of course. I’m doing Instagram TV videos every Monday, so if you follow me there please check them out. And watch for more frequent Dispatches from the Field here on the blog - I think it’s important to record personal impressions and experiences from this very unprecedented time in our history.
How are you all? Are you okay? What’s keeping you centered and grounded these days? I’d love to know. Please send a message, leave a comment, or reach out by email (becca@beccarowan.com), and let’s connect. We need each other’s encouragement now more than ever!
Stay safe and be well.