Pat Taub
Spring’s arrival, with its warming temperatures, is perfectly timed with the gradual re-opening of our country. Many of us have now received both vaccination shots, allowing us to step into the outside world to make travel plans, tentatively dine indoors and exchange hugs with reunited loved ones.
While initially the lockdown was a big jolt to the system, once the shock of isolation passed, many women used their vast windows of free time for serious appraisals of their life choices.
Covid reflections resulted in a new appreciation of friends and family, rethinking one’s spending habits, letting grey hair triumph, and honing culinary skills. Wondering if these new habits would persist post lockdown, I put this question to the WOW Facebook group. Here are some of their responses:
GRETA: I will continue to wear the mask during virus season and always in crowds and on planes and public transportation. I have not had a single cold since I have been masking. Frequent hand washing will remain a regular routine as well. (Lots of agreement with this answer.)
BARB: I have a better understanding of the loneliness my husband must feel at home every day. I work retail and talk all day. Sometimes when I get home I just want to chill. My husband doesn’t get a lot of socialization since retiring and he can’t wait to talk to me. I’ve become more understanding of his needs.
KATE: I will continue to check in with those who live by themselves.
SUSAN: I learned my kids are all very good cooks, and curbside delivery is the way to go when arthritis is acting up.
PAM: My church’s women’s group has really taken to Zoom. We have an active member from the Midwest now, as well as someone from a few towns over! And, one of our members is going through cancer treatments — joining in from home is best for her. I imagine we will stay on Zoom, even when “in person” meetings start up again — it’s more convenient.
FRANCINE: My book club (we know each other from once living near each other) meets on Zoom. We now live in 4 states. I hope it continues.
TERI: Letting go of “stuff.” For example, I probably have enough clothes to get me through the rest of my life.
LAUREL: I’ll be far more comfortable with saying no to the countless social “opportunities” I once felt obligated to attend!
ELLEN: Being much more accepting when things don’t go as smoothly as I had expected, or I don’t get exactly what I wanted. Also, probably a little more spontaneity and a little less planning.
WALKER: I’ve become more thoughtful about what I buy and have saved a good bit of money in that way.
GWEN: I don’t dine out like I used to and likely will keep that going long-term. It not only saves a lot of money but, truth is, I can cook better food than most places offer.
Cooking more at home is a Covid practice many have vowed to continue.
TONI: Walking every day I can and picking up trash.
MARY: I began to follow an Episcopal church in New York that has a really wonderful online routine of morning prayer, noon Eucharist’s, evening prayer and candle light sung compline. I never imagined myself being a routine contemplative but it has been a spiritual lifeline and it soothes me.
EVA: I’ll continue to appreciate the comforts of home, while exploring places close to where I live.
DOT: Got my act together and lost 30 lbs. exercising on the treadmill.
ROBIN: Daily yoga and writing.
LORRIE: I stopped coloring my hair.
BUNNY: I’ve quit drinking alcohol.
EILEEN: I’ve learned to be alone and comfortable in my own skin.
Wishing you a Spring resplendent with daffodils, a skip to your step and gratitude for all you learned from your lockdown!
