It’s Been A Year

Literally, 365 days

This week last year was the last normal week. By my personal reckoning, March 16, 2021 is 365 days of coronavirus pandemic living.

I didn’t write a book.

I didn’t start a small business.

I didn’t become a community hero for charity work.

Although I successfully baked a few loaves of bread, it did not become a weekly habit.

We stayed healthy, if a little bored and lonely and stir-crazy. My husband worked longer and longer hours as his patient load increased (he’s a psychologist). I worked largely at home, the glimmer of returning to an office full-time diminishing steadily then disappearing completely by the fall 2020.

I started running* again in spring of 2020. I stopped when cold weather moved in because I am 100 percent a fair-weather runner. I will start again this year.

I started therapy (again).

I planted tulips.

I redecorated a room, with plans to redecorate more.

I started coloring as a way to get in touch with my inner child and soothe my anxiety.

I cut WAY back on my alcohol intake.

I turned 50 and got a tattoo.

We adopted a cat.

We bought a new front door.

I still have packages of paper towels and toilet paper, plus a case of water, in my closet just in case. I have a large package of yeast that I should probably use up before it gets too old, and I always check my flour, sugar, and butter supplies when I get ready to shop.

I am watching people get vaccinated with great joy. I haven’t even tried to get an appointment yet; I was going to wait until April 1. I see no reason not to, except of course, to feel that joy and relief for myself.

As best as I have been able to, I have taken one day at a time. My mantra has been “Be here now.” I won’t say that it has kept me sane (see: started therapy), but it has helped refocus me when the anger or despair or hopelessness has threatened to overwhelm me. I have tried not to be too down or too hopeful.

But, I did plant those tulips in 2020 to give me something to look forward to in 2021.

*By running, I mean light jogging. For about a mile and a quarter. Maybe I’ll try to build up to two miles this year.