Pat Taub
Believing that many women have found creative and soulful ways of managing coronavirus that would benefit all of us, I posted a notice on the WOW Facebook page asking members how they’re coping with COVID-19. I was very moved by their resourcefulness, empathy and strivings to remain positive. I hope you will be similarly inspired. Below are condensed answers from the WOW Facebook page:
SANDY:
I find solace in sunshine and fresh air. . . On a recent walk I noticed a mom with her two young children, and their grandmother, who said she came along so she could see her grandchildren, even though she had to stand 6 feet away. This social distancing saddens me. By design we are social creatures. I had to say to a friend yesterday, “Consider yourself hugged.”
Two women observing the social distance of 6 feet apart
SALLY:
The routine my husband and I follow: While coffee brews, we discuss our day followed by meditation in different rooms for each of us. Next we sing and dance for 30 minutes. After lunch we take a walk and spend the rest of the afternoon reading. Before bed we read a poem taking turns choosing and reading.
PAM:
I have been consciously reaching out to at least one friend a day, either by phone or email. . . I’m missing my “luxuries” such as a haircut, the library, the theater, and a restaurant for my birthday last week.
It can be important to reach out to someone who’s all alone during this period of social isolation
SUZETTE:
After floundering aimlessly for a few days (the vacation feeling got old fast), I discovered my local paint store was open, so I’m prepping the dining room to be painted. . . . I’m also trying to get friends to go out on their front porches, driveways and balconies at 7:30 each evening to make noise, sing “O Canada” and yell “Thank You” to all the workers who are keeping things going right now.
Suzette is using her social isolation to paint her dining room
CHRISTINE:
I’m preparing to guide my students virtually through the rest of the semester. Deep and expansive thoughts flow when time and space open up.
EMMA:
The dog and I dance. My great grand and I will FaceTime more and tell each other outrageous and funny tales! I am bringing out sweet memories to savor!
Many sequestered grandmothers are facetiming with their grands.
BETSY:
I’m in self-isolation with my cousin. We take the dog for walks; we grocery shop as little as possible and we wash, wash, wash our hands. If we’ve been in a store, we remove shoes before entering the house and then sanitize them with an alcohol and water spray. We are also washing all items before we put them away and then again before we use them. Yes, it is frustrating, but I will do whatever is recommended by health officials . . . Hopefully when this is all over, we will emerge a better, more connected society.
Betsy is diligent about hand washing–a good reminder for all of us
GWEN:
At first I thought it would be easy-peasy because I’m used to living alone, but it’s proving to be more of a challenge than I realized. . . . l can’t just run out to the store anymore. The people I meet up with for coffee dates are now off limits. I made a big pot of soup to give to people who are homebound. Oh I miss the outside world!!!
The soup Emma made for the homebound in her community
JACQUI:
I’m spending my days on the computer working on the Lisa Savage for US Senate (Lisa is running as an independent in Maine, challenging Susan Collins). I HATE being in a country with so little concern for human life.
Jacqui is using her isolation to campaign online for Lisa Savage, the Independent candidate challenging Susan Collins
HOPE:
I made a big pan of cornbread.
RENE:
Please remember that you are NOT alone. We are all in this together and you only have to reach out for support. I have been reaching out to friends over 70 who are living alone, sending little notes of inspiration.
This collective wisdom speaks to the inner strength we possess for these trying times. As Albert Camus reminds us:
In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back.
