Of course I can’t speak for everyone, but it’s been an overwhelming couple of days for me and many of my friends. Fear, ignorance, misinformation, leading to disappointment, anxiety, safety concerns, loss of income…the list goes on. It’s been ten months since my last blog post (for that I am embarrassed), but finally I’m feeling compelled to start writing again. To express myself, to share, to hopefully help others in some shape or form, and to just put as many positive vibes out there as possible. So if you make it to the end, and enjoyed the read or think anyone else might, please feel free to SHARE!
As I start this blog now, the date is Sunday, March 15th , 2020. The time is 2:07pm PDT. I had already decided I was going to “pick up the pen” again starting Monday, thanks to social distancing and event cancellations, but I couldn’t help but kick it off with a personal note before getting back to business (BTW…social distancing, something I hope we’re ALL doing by the time this goes live). Normally blog topics include specific events, new or “must know” venues, all star entertainment acts, etc., things related pretty specifically to event planning. But today, I come to you as a Mother, a business owner, a friend and a fellow HUMAN.
Today is only day 2 of our self-quarantine due to the rapid spread of the Corona virus that’s wreaking havoc across the world, and it’s been a lot. A lot to think about, a lot to wrap my head around, a lot to figure out. Questions, concerns, thoughts… running through my mind constantly:
“What is the right thing to do?”
“Should I go hang out with my friends?”
“Should I get together with family?”
“Should I even go pick-up food or am I better off cooking at home?”
“Do I have anything to cook at home?”
“Did I get enough toilet paper that day?”
Still don’t get that last one. On Thursday morning (3/12), before LAUSD schools were officially closed or #socialdistancing was trending, my daughter and I were at Rite Aid getting lotion. After the SECOND person literally RAN by us to get toilet paper, I thought “SHIT, guess we better get some toilet paper!” And it’s a good thing we did. I had to lend a friend four rolls the next day because her family of five was on their last one. They normally stock up on the weekend (like most working families) and hadn’t done their weekly shopping trip before the apocalypse hit and everyone started hoarding. But the toilet paper?! There are sooo many other ways to clean your ass…what are you people afraid of??? I digress…
I go from inside my head with all of these thoughts, to social media where I read stories in my FB mommy groups. Some stories that make me cry tears of joy, and others that make me cry tears of sadness. On Instagram I see people sharing experiences, music, art, love…and I’m hopeful. Hopeful that this too shall pass. So instead of dwelling on the unknown future, I’m trying to find the silver lining in the moment. Here’s what I’ve come up with.
We RUN all day long. From morning routines, to school drop-offs, to work, to work-out, to pick-ups, to baseball practice, to dance class, to rehearsal, to our show, to dinner, to bedtime, to chill, to sleep, to do it all again. It’s EXHAUSTING. Perhaps during this time of isolation we can take a step back and recognize what’s really important in life. Connect to the people and things that really matter, even if not in person. Pick up the phone and start talking with your family and friends more. Pick up the phone and call your clients and peers, see how they’re doing. Read. Write. Create. Listen. Love. Share. Connect. Reconnect. And of course…DANCE!!!
A few of the things that have brought me some comfort over the last few days are below. I’d love for you to leave a comment and let me know what’s been keeping you smiling in the midst of all of this angst.
Music + Dancing - lots of it #DUH
If you aren’t familiar with Stephen tWitch Boss (@sir_twitch_alot on IG) and Allison Holker (@allisonholker on IG), do yourself a favor and check out their Instagram accounts. They are the CUTEST, HAPPIEST couple on the planet and share their obvious joy for dancing and their INSANE ability. #dancinggoals #couplegoals
I think this song reminds me of Texas summers as a kid. IDK what it is but definitely been listening to this oldie but goodie on repeat lately: Fishin’ in the Dark by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Cleaning + Organizing – it feels soooo good
Dancing…did I mention that??
So long story longer. I’m sharing just to share. Maybe this helps you pass a few minutes of your day. Maybe you can relate to something I’ve said and feel less isolated. Maybe I just introduced you to or reminded you of something that brings you great joy. Whatever your reason for making it this far. Thanks for staying. I hope you use this time to connect in a different way. Maybe an old way. Pick up the phone (I know, crazy right??), pick up a book, pick up a new hobby. Do something that brings you joy and peace of mind each day, as we all need a little break from the world around us right now.
Lastly, please know that you can always reach out to me if you need to talk, vent, laugh, or just shoot the shit for a while. I’m going to embrace this new normal as much as I can (because what better option is there) and use this time to re-connect and stay connected with the things that matter most to me. The people and things that make me happy. One of my favorite quotes, though we can’t take it too literally right now: “Stay close to people who feel like sunshine.” I don’t know about y’all, but I LOVE the SUN!! Peace and love everyone!
