Joy in the time of social distancing

I’ve been trying to find the right words to capture my experience with the pandemic, social distancing, and everything that comes with it. Whenever I try to write something meaningful, I fall back into the same old advice we’re already hearing from a million different sources--a hundred different memes and cultural jokes that we’ve all laughed or rolled our eyes at.

That said, it’s funny how fast you can get used to a world you never imagined yourself living in, if you allow it.

I’ve been trying to lean into boredom but, to be honest, I haven’t really let myself feel it. I’m pretty good at finding things to do but maybe that’s a blessing and a curse. Some of our most creative thoughts and humbling realizations occur in the midst of boredom, with nothing to explore other than the frighteningly vast depths of our minds.

I think everyone has a sweet spot between “productivity” and “unproductivity” to find. Look for opportunities to follow ambitions, learn, or practice—but don’t force it. Welcome with open arms the complete opposite—doing whatever feels good in that moment with no other expectations. Really, that in it of itself is productive in its own way. If you want to “take advantage” of the extra time we’re working with, do it. It can be a way to cope for some people.

But if the weight of the global pandemic is making that tricky, well fair enough. Screw it.

Anyway, here is a working list of some moments that have made this time enjoyable, or at least memorable (in no particular order). Joy in the time of social distancing.

“Nothing gets between a man and his sourdough.”

Virtual Cards Against Humanity with old friends.

Prosecco by the ocean, toasting a non-traditional graduation.

That sweet excitement brainstorming weekly takeout.

“La Croix tastes like static on TV.”

Homemade tacos and the Gipsy Kings playing for hours.

Giant Jenga and cheeks that hurt.

Tiger King, duh. Fucking Carole.

A little too much wine. A little more.

Ordering doughnuts and coffee. The anticipation.

Ordering scones. More anticipation and a long line in a parking lot.

Finally starting that Harry Potter marathon.

Catching up on old seasons of Part’s Unknown and traveling vicariously through Anthony, once again.

Dance parties in the living room over and over.

Banging pots and pans. Cheering on the heroes, from our window, from the parking lot.

Binging the Great Canadian Bake Show.

Tinkering on the guitar. Dust in the Wind.

Pancakes. Pancakes. And more pancakes.

Ooo, sourdough pancakes.

Workouts in the park. Looking up at the sky satisfied and beat.

Virtual yoga classes with my roomie and the local studio.

And, of course, reuniting a friendship with Yoga with Adrienne.

Daisies in my hair, reading in the sunshine by the gorge.

Evenings on the rock, by the water.

Watching the tide come in. Watching it go out.

Watching the moon, the super moon, the super pink moon.

Morning walks.

Deep talks.

I guess the list could go on and on. And this might go on and on. So get cozy. Take note of the good things that happen day after day. And the not so good things, too. The days where you feel anxious, stressed, bored, lonely, or lost. As uncertain as this time is, you’ll want to remember it.