The Fine Art of Becoming Unraveled

I just might be unraveling!

It's been exactly two weeks since my fast-paced lifestyle came to a grinding halt. In fact, it never crossed my mind that something like this could even happen. I had been working almost full time at a school in a support staff position, while at the same time continuing to develop my photography business. I had just joined the gym, and my handsome grandsons were regular overnight guests at my house. I was also helping a good friend of mine set up his wellness clinic.

I have to admit I often felt overwhelmed, I had so many goals and so many commitments.

Suddenly I was thrust into what I, as a parent of four would consider a time out. All of my activities came to a standstill and I was being asked along with the rest of the planet to stay at home as much as possible. Many shops and restaurants closed their doors. Schools sent their pupils home. Grocery stores implemented social distancing and limited the number of people they allowed in their stores at one time.

A couple of weeks ago people were friendly and smiling. Banter with a perfect stranger was easy and commonplace. Now it seems many of us don't even look at each other, even when we are standing in those long grocery store lineups. People are frustrated, nervous, and scared. To be honest I'm not sure what people are more afraid of the COVID-19 virus, or an uncertain future.

Of course with social distancing in place, I can no longer offer my photography services. In fact, there are a lot of things I can no longer do, and I know my friends, many of you are in the same boat.

There is, however, one precious commodity I have more of then I have ever had in my entire adult life, and that is time. I now daily take my dog on a long walk/jog. He has become much more agile and I too have become more resilient, not only physically but spiritually and emotionally as well. You see on my long walks I have been unraveling and contrary to common belief, I think it's a good thing. On these walks, I meditate, I pray, and I often come home inspired and re-fired. Sometimes I wrestle with fear on these strolls, but I always win the battle. Many things that bothered me a couple of weeks ago now seem petty and frivolous.

I liken my unraveling to that of a fine chain that has become knotted up? Untangling it takes time and when you don't have the time frustration ensues. Often our thoughts and emotions are like that. If we don't take the time to pause and figure out the root of negative emotions we remain tied up in knots and we are unable to function at our full capacity.

I have also come to the conclusion that I am going to make the most of every minute of every day! Life is precious! Family, friends and even strangers are priceless. I will do everything in my power to stay safe, and healthy. I have no intention of doing anything reckless or foolish, but I also refuse to live in fear. Fear is an enemy to peace and we all need peace. I intend to be extra helpful wherever I can, friendlier and smile more, not less. I want to find ways to stay connected and safely bridge this social distancing. I will wring every good thing I possibly can out of this horrendous situation and when it is all over I want to meet with you. I want to sit across from you with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine and listen to your story. Maybe you were a health care provider or a doctor on the front lines. Perhaps you delivered food to someone in quarantine. I want to hear you tell me your story, how you survived and overcame.

If you are a friend or family, I want to hug you, I mean REALLY HUG YOU and let you know how exceptional you are to me.

So to new acquaintances, friends and family why not unravel with me as we travel down this unfamiliar road.

XO Jerry