If someone had told me that society would practice social distancing and isolation a year ago, I would have said that it would be impossible. We are social creatures. We do lunch, coffee, working out, and getting together.
That was before, of course, before a virus took over our social gatherings, routines, and how we live.
At first, for the majority of us, it was something that happened far away, and would never occur wherever we live. We went out; we did lunch, met for coffee, gathered in large groups, and felt awful for those folks dealing with the virus. Still, it was over there.
Some of us felt safe, confident that nothing like that would happen here. And then it came here, wherever here happens to be. Suddenly we were being advised to be careful about where we went, staying away from people least we transmit the virus or catch it.
Some of us still went out, why not. What was the worst that could happen? Besides, it isn't ideal to be "stuck" in our houses. We had plans, maybe a nice meal with some friends, or an outing to see the latest movie. Whatever it was, we needed that more than the caution the experts were advising.
The virus is a bit like cancer, though, in that it is touching everyone's life. More people now know someone who is in quarantine or self-isolating. I know of three people who tested positive for the virus. I am anticipating this number to rise, unfortunately.
I will admit, despite my education and training, I feel uncertainty and some fear around the future. However, I also feel so much love and support as I watch people come together, whether it's to connect with people online, help people with shopping, or making the hard choice to stay away from those who are older or having underlying conditions. A friend told me that it was hard for her to have to stay away from me during a time when we would usually come together, but she'd sooner that we come together through technology than put me at risk.
It's okay to feel angry, scared, alone, uncertain, or anxious during these times. We all have those moments. Please don't have them alone, reach out to someone, even if just to check-in and see how they are. Post something or respond to something. Help someone or allow someone to help you. Whatever you do, you are not alone. I am here, and so are others.