COVID “What The %** Just Happened” Night
Sept 2021
This was our very first evening together “after” the COVID pandemic. And as I write this, the pandemic is not even remotely over. After this evening I found myself overwhelmed by the beauty of this group, the support we show for each other, and incredibly reflective of the heaviness of all that we have been through. There is no ideal recap of an evening where we shared the many challenges of the last 18 months, but here are some overarching themes...
Sept 2021 - COVID “What the %** Just Happened” Night
We are .....
weary
exhausted
spent
tired of uncertainty
without reserve
running on fumes
frustrated
overwhelmed
tired of everything being so damn hard
exasperated that there are no more collective "finish lines" on the horizon (ie vaccines for the country, etc)
annoyed annoyed annoyed
lacking in compassion for those who believe different "facts"
no longer curious about those who believe differently
angry angry angry
without patience
worried about our kids
struggling with ongoing pandemic parenting
struggling with teenagers in a pandemic
without our usual bounce back/humor/resiliency
living with spouses that often feel more like roommates
low on libido
low on quality time with partners
low on date nights/travel as a couple
uncertain about all kinds of relationship navigation - friends, family, kids
uncertain about new social norms - a simple hug requires a cluster of thoughts
feeling different than who we were 18 months ago uncertain about how we are different but knowing we are different
And yet.......
We have made it this far
We were prepared for this. Yes we really were. Look at us.
We are incredibly resilient
There is no stopping us
Pivoting is our jam
We don't set too high expectations anymore
We have grown and changed and have learned so much about ourselves
We are more intentional with our time
We know better how fleeting life is
We value our quality family time more
We know our kids are not fragile - repeat - Our kids are not fragile
We are not alone in this
We are so blessed
We are so grateful
Our lives are overflowing with joy and love