Tag: isolation

Daily Questions

Last week, I participated in a webinar for my teaching credentials. The training was originally going to focus on summer activities for teachers to provide families of young children that would correlate with continuing  learning goals throughout the summer. The presenters did a wonderful job changing the presentation to fit our present situation with the current pandemic. Not only did the focus include the  students and families, but also the educators.

Several slides from the presentation came off a website where they were downloadable for free.  I saved a few of them.  I was looking at them today, and found one I wanted to share.

 

“Daily Quarantine Questions”

 

What am I grateful for today?

Today my son was offered a job on the spot at the first interview.  He also just finished off his second year of college.  I am very grateful for my son.

 

Who am I checking on or connecting with today?

 

I have distance myself from many people since all this has began.  I try and check in with my parents via text every day or so.  I guess reading Facebook status makes me feel connected with the world.

 

What expectations of normal am I letting go of today?

 

Well today, I did not fix dinner.  My son was out playing disc golf with a friend and my husband was working late.  I have not skipped cooking dinner very often since we’ve been at home.  I really can’t think of how normal is going to be after this is all over.

 

How am I getting outside today?

 

I have not been outside today.  Some days are like that.  A couple days a week I walk around the neighborhood.

 

How am I moving my body today?

 

Not much today.

 

What beauty am I either creating, cultivating, or inviting in today?

 

I am currently creating 2 cups for teacher gifts.  They are turning out pretty cute.  Today I started creating a digital teacher’s planner.  Maybe I can find someone interested in it.

 

Well, I feel that I didn’t do well with the quarantine questions today.  Tomorrow I will try and do better.  How are you doing?  Are you able to give a positive answer to them?  Maybe it is something you can reflect on as well.  Let me know!

Teach

Teach was the word of the day.  I was really struggling on what to write about the word teach, because it brings many painful feelings.  Not feelings about past teachers I’ve had.  I was blessed with many wonderful teachers along the way.  I even decided that teaching was my calling in life.  It hasn’t exactly panned out the way I wished.  That is where the pain resides.

Finally, I have decided to write about what social isolation has taught me.  Tomorrow is the month mark of when our governor has placed the stay-at-home order.

My first reaction was unbelief.  I was not able to work and have income.  Our tax rebate was in my checking account, so I knew I would be able to pay my share of the bills for a month or two.  I have been very blessed that my husband is still working.

Next, I was enjoying the time home.  It’s been great spending time with my son.  I’ve been cooking more than I have in years.

I began to convert back into my introverted ways.  I was thinking that I didn’t need to deal with any people at all.  I thought I was okay…

My family of 3 had a nice day at home yesterday on Easter.  We had a delicious meal.  I was allowed to pick out one movie and my husband sat and watched it with me.

Then today happened.  I began to struggle.

I decided I needed some contact with friends.  I set up a zoom meeting and invited 4 friends.  Unfortunately one gal was not able to attend.

I called the meeting “Happy Hour”.  I told everyone to grab the beverage of their choice and join in at 3:30. It was closer to 4 by the time everyone was able to log in.  But now we all know how it works and we’re going to try again in a few days.  It was a pretty nice time.

So, as I sat down typing out this article, it has hit me that I am ready for this isolation to be over.  I miss talking to people.  But I am going to change a few things.  I am going to be myself.  I’m not going to be the person other people want me to be.  I’m just going to be me.  That is what I have learned.