Well here I am in week 5 of home isolation. Basically I’m doing well. I keep busy with personal projects, connect on social media with family and friends, exercise, clean, and grocery shop.

I really try not to complain because my situation is so much better than others I’ve heard. My basic needs are met so far, except of course, physically connecting with others.

I make sure I connect and talk to someone at least every other day. I am taking time to be creative (write, practice monologues, draw) and support the amazing creativity I experience online. I also read lots and am knitting up a storm. Meditation helps me stay focused and positive. I’m finding those ‘lost’ projects that were for rainy days and just doing them. Even though I’m an optimist, my days often contain tears and anxiety.

Why do I always worry about “What Ifs”???!!! I guess it’s the self-preservation instinct clicking on, protecting me from potential danger.

What if the government sets greater stringent rules about social distancing? I know I will be able to get my meds (puffers), but I live with multiple food sensitivities and on-line shopping does not accommodate them.

What if an appliance breaks down, or a tap cartridge leaks and the water has to be turned off?

What if we miss all of summer? And I worry… I worry about our amazing front line workers who I know from personal sources are not safe. I also know that staying at home is the best way I can help them.

How will artists, theatres, small business survive? Will our economy ever recover from this pandemic?

Should we really be surprised that this happened? We have been warned for years about the environmental damage humans are doing to the planet. David Suzuki and Rachel Carson have cautioned us. The earth is a living thing and it is sick because we are a disease infecting it.

I wonder what we will take away from this experience? Will we continue as before? What will ‘normal’ look like?

My hope is we will make better choices about how we live AND how we spend our time.