The isolation due to the pandemic proved difficult for me (hence, the title of this post). As a healthcare worker, I understand the need for the stay-at-home requirements. Believe me, my whole goal of the pandemic is to never decide who gets a ventilator and who goes without one, as they did in Italy back in the beginning. But, COVID is giving me a beat down. I’m literally an emotional prune from all of the isolation. I wish I could endure this better. Sigh. Wait, isn’t endurance my thing? There’s got to be something I can do. And, so began the Screw You, COVID Plan.
I believe that God appoints all authority, and I’m not trying to buck the system.
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God (Romans 13:1).
However, being adherent to the guidelines doesn’t have to put me at a computer or on the couch every day. So what can it look like?
Well, the mandate in Maryland (at the time of this writing) is essential shopping, social distancing of six feet, and the wearing of masks in public venues (I work in the OR, the masks are a breeze). Those are the parameters… here are some ideas I came up with…
Screw You, COVID Plan
Walks Outside. Listen, I like Zoom, and I’m thankful for all the connection time it provided. But, I’m ready for people. As the weather improves, being outside is definitely an option. I had a walk outdoors on a paved track to catch up with a friend and then had outdoor prayer time in a camping chair with a blanket.
Tennis. Hey, look, I’m not good at tennis. I hit the ball over the fence not infrequently (not the net…the fence). But, I’m on opposite sides of the court from my friend, we’re moving around, and enjoying the fresh air.
Painting. I like art but I’m about as good at painting as I am at tennis. However, I do enjoy the slow and spiritual (for me) process of creating a picture with paint. So, I invited a friend to come over and sit outside, and we’ll paint sitting at opposite ends of the picnic table. There may even be wine…
Croquet. I ordered a set from Amazon for some outdoor fun. I plan to invite different people out to parks for a game of croquet. We can catch up and move around either in the sun or the shade.
Bocci. This is next up on my list to order. Very portable and amenable to playing with small numbers of people in outdoor spaces.
Cornhole. I’m thinking about investing in some cornhole boards and developing a one-on-one COVID scoring system (so you’re not standing next to someone).
Fishing. I’ve always wanted to learn how to fish. What a great opportunity to find someone to teach me.
Hiking. I like being sweaty and dirty and love hills and plants. Enough said.
Yoga. A friend and I planned an outdoor yoga session with a YouTube video in my backyard.
The Point
The Screw You, COVID plan is a rescue plan. The point is this: there’s more than one way to play by the rules. I have a backyard movie night, floating noodle party, and “winery” ideas in the works. Take my ideas and run with them.
I need people. I need fun. If I don’t make it happen, who will?
If you’d like to see how these endeavors turn out, I’m posting all the pictures of my Screw You, COVID Plan on my Instagram page. I would love to see you there and check out your comments!
I’m here for you people, and I’m back on my game.
K.
Author of Ten Iron Principles, and Contributor in The Power to Make a Difference
Kelly, you are a woman after my own heart. I need people time and your ideas are awesome. I also take walks both alone and with a friend. We did a tailgating worship in the church parking lot for several brave souls. And, now that the weather is warming up here in Connecticut, I am all over bocci or paint/craft activities. There is more than one way to skin a shut-down, my friend. Wish we lived closer…we could brainstorm and take on the masked world together.
I wish you lived closer as well. That would be amazing! I would have you over for masked paint night!!!
?? Thankfully the weather in NC has been lovely & so has been good to do outside walking, exercise etc. I saw family (no hugs) outside on the weekend, & was so helpful for the isolation-blues ??
??❤️?
Grace, I need people As much as sometimes humanity drives me crazy, I now know why Tom Hanks talked to a volleyball.
Love your ideas. Clever! You’re the best. Peace.
You go Vin!