Covid Thoughts

I planned to share more home updates and decor, but I'm actually struggling with a lot of anxiety this month as more folks are receiving vaccines and Covid safety measures grow more and more lax.

We are not vaccinated. Our daughter is not vaccinated. It will still be months before we can get a vaccine. In our little corner of the world, though, enough of the voices in power are feeling safe enough to call my husband into larger social gatherings, nights and weekends included. Masks aren't being required as strictly now. Some friends and family members are feeling safe enough to quit social distancing--but we aren't vaccinated. I was not mentally or emotionally prepared for this. I'm still not.

I know quarantine has been rough. Extroverts and socialites have been twiddling their thumbs and itching to get out. I'm glad they now can. I think everyone should do what feels comfortable. That said, I'm no longer comfortable. My family time is being stripped away. My inbox and phone are being flooded with messages and notices of gatherings, visits, and invitations. I'm feeling quite overwhelmed--my situation has not changed. 

I, too, have shed tears over missed holidays with loved ones, some with whom I may never get another chance to celebrate. That's hard. Maggie is not familiar with some of the people I love most in this world. That's hard. But being flung right back into the chaos is just as hard. Gathering before I feel comfortable or ready makes the last year seem like an exercise in futility. The numbers have gone up since the vaccine has become more widely available, as predicted. I'm glad many are feeling safer. I wish we were all there already.

This space is meant to be light and spark joy--it's not to share controversial opinions or spark debate. But this is what weighs heavily on my mind and my heart this month. Transitions are tough for me, this one is proving to be particularly so. I'm asking for just a little more patience and time. I'm asking that everyone remember some of the good things we learned in quarantine. Let's celebrate outside more. Let's slow down more. Let's make quality time with loved ones a regular thing. Let's not rush back into chaos and burnout if we can help it, and try to be loving and understanding toward one another even as we're itching to satiate our own social needs.

I pray your transition is smooth and comfortable and you continue to stay safe and well.

Best,

Emily