May 4, 2021 — I’ve never done this, but let’s give it a whirl! I’m going into the archives to see what I wrote exactly one year ago today! Think back right now: what was early May 2020 like?? Oh, yeah, We were in quarantine!!! And we had NO IDEA what was still to come.

Into the “way-back machine” we go.

From one year ago: May the 4th be with you!

May 4th, 2020 — I’m not sure how, or why, but I feel so lucky and happy. My house is a filthy disaster, but it is my house and we are safe. My kids are so off schedule and have entirely too much screen time, but they will be fine and re-orient to real school life when the time comes. My business posted the lowest net income month in a long time, but it will be fine, even great, eventually. As business owners, my hubby and I work way more than the recommended number of hours these days, but it’s time to double-down, so we do. Especially since we have employees to support.

I think what I’m trying to say is that right now is necessary for tomorrow’s success.

Here in Texas, the City has opened several avenues of businesses to mixed reviews. We have no idea what is in store for “the next wave” but someone with the power to do that did. Different people have had a variety of reactions and actions. It’s so very tempting to “get out” and see what the world has been up to in the past 2 months.

But right now, staying safe, is necessary for tomorrow’s success, I said.

People are funny. We don’t like to be inconvenienced. We really want to go get our hair cut, nails done, go to a movie. We definitely want to go happy hour with our peeps! These are all things we miss (such lucky ones we are).

Unfortunately, that can have dire results for others. If people would closely read the city’s website for the most updated information, then they can act with knowledge and care, instead of “well I’m just sick of being home, so I’ll resume normal activities.”

Things are not normal. They are NEW Normal. (masks are a THING, y’all, for a long time)

Think about the conversations you have been having lately and how full of misinformation they are. Our stay-at-home order is current until May 8th (this Friday), but the environment this past weekend was not that vibe.

Has anyone gone the MOVIES? It’s permitted here in Austin for up to 25% capacity. Why is that even an option?? I don’t get it. And it makes me mad, honestly.

It’s one thing to be at home, safe, and healthy. I am so incredibly grateful for that. The fear and uncertainty that comes with this virus is unlike anything we have really, truly encountered. Heck, the SCHOOLS are closed and we have NO IDEA when they will go back. That is truly mind-boggling.

I hope there is a trove of graduate students frothing at the mouth with ideas for their dissertations. This is societally influential and will be creating a ripple effect for the unseen future. I desperately hope that we, as a society, are LEARNING.

There’s more to learn than just “how to properly wash your hands”. It’s about being considerate with your own germ-potential.

For school-aged kids, actually, ALL children, it’s about learning how to function in a completely different way and saying goodbye to many things they’ll never get back. The fact that they can’t go to parks and play on playscapes is desperately sad. I send good, validating vibes to all the parents out there who keep having to repeatedly explain to their child, “no, my darling, we can’t go play on the playscape, it’s not safe.” It’s like breaking their sweet little hearts over and over. I hate that for all involved!

I did not have any inkling that this was going to be my share this morning. I want to leave you with a message of hope:

PATIENCE. Patience is key. Why rush?? The crazy all-in, go-go-go world will be back again at some point, we can count on that. This quieter world (if that is what you are getting to experience, that is…thank you SO MUCH to the essential workers!!!) is an anomaly. It’s a GIFT. Sit with it. It’s not all bad.

Back to May 4, 2021…what did reading that conjure up for you? For me, I want to take a magic wand and show everyone HOW BAD THINGS GOT because we opened up waaaaaaaaay too soon. That the kids did NOT go back to school in the fall. That we are only JUST NOW seeing light at the end of the tunnel (well, for now, in the United States). That COVID is not to be trifled with and we are still at major risk globally. Oh, India. Wow.

Alas, I cannot do that. So, I think we need to see the lessons, internalize them, and celebrate every micro-moment that we possibly can.

Period. So do it. Today and every single day!

Thanks for reading!!