Covid-19 fatigue… it finally hit me.  I am tired of 2020 and viruses and shutdowns and staying at home and not traveling to see my grandkids and not hugging my close grandkids.  I’m tired of talking myself out of a trip to Chicago for a fine meal at my favorite restaurant.  I’m tired of wishing I could justify a trip to Trader Joe’s. I want to try some clothes on in a dressing room even if I don’t buy anything.

Covid-19 is a real thing… as we all know.  And it has been here for longer than we have hoped.

As tired as I am of the changes and inconveniences, and while I gave myself a day to be over it all, I know that I can’t quit.

I can’t quit being grateful for beautiful weather during November 2020 (it was 7 degrees here a year ago). I can’t quit being grateful for a warm and toasty home and a husband who is knocking home and outdoor improvements out of the park. I have to keep being grateful for a healthy family, no lack of food, a warm and toasty home, and chickens (!) who keep laying eggs.

And, oh my, I am so grateful for Leader Dogs for the Blind who has entrusted us with Sprit and now, her fine little offspring who is providing daily entertainment and wonder.  The instincts of a new mom and the development of a new puppy are truly awe-inspiring.

Nevertheless, even though I have so much to be grateful for and even though I have a pretty comfortable life, I had a full day of weariness in my mind.

This has gone on too long.  We all want answers.

Kids want to see their friends.

                   Chefs and bartenders want to serve their customers.

                            Shop keepers need income.

                                     Landlords have mortgages.

                                               Moms and Dads want a break.

                                                        Grandmas need hugs.

Sigh. 

I know I am not alone and I know we all have a list of things we are tired of.  For a day, I let myself be tired of life as it is at present.

And then, I put my big girl panties back on and changed my attitude.

I reminded myself that I have opportunities to do good and to spread encouragement and to facilitate relief and to be a voice of reason.

I remembered that I have responsibilities and that others depend on me. I stopped ignoring the true need and desperateness of so many local families who have been deeply impacted by this virus and started looking for a new source of healthy food so we can keep up our weekly food deliveries. I took phone calls and had conversations with some like-minded, generous folks who I can partner with to ease the real fatigue and weariness of so many families in our community who have many reasons to be tired.

So, I am back at it.

I’m making sure I get some exercise daily and some fresh air hourly.  I’m making healthy and immune-boosting meals. I am thinking creatively and following up with people who can help me with some relief for needs I know of.

A bit of retreat and time to reflect on my current reality and even to lament a bit was okay. But now, I am going to keep my chin up and I will keep being grateful.  Virus or no virus.