The corona-cation has tested my ability to stay chill, though, as it has for so many others. And it's not even that I'm necessarily stressing because of how I really feel: I think I'm stressing because of all the information coming at me 24/7. I'm not just talking about the news, though. I know how to ignore the insanity of the 24-hour news cycle; I was born before one existed, and I'm good at blocking it out when need be.
The information that I am talking about is all the unsolicited advice from well-meaning people: the memes, the articles, the blogs (YES, I recognize the irony.)
Ignore all schedules! Hug your kids, make brownies, stay in pajamas all day, do crafts.
Stick to a schedule! Humans need schedules to feel centered. You'll feel better if you accomplish things during the lockdown. This is the time to learn something new, do something new, be someone new.
Don't do the online work sent home by your kids' teachers! Teach your kids to cook, sew, change the oil in the car, garden, do the laundry, pay a bill.
Make sure your kids get all of their schoolwork done! Grades still count.
Be kind to yourself! Read fiction, write poetry, drink tea, nap, daydream, get fresh air.
Stay informed! Read the CDC website, make masks, don't set foot outside your house.
Make plans for the future! It's great to have something to look forward to. Think summer camps, vacations, the beach.
Don't make any plans! No one knows how long this is all going to last.
If you're upset, show that emotion to your kids! They need to know that it's okay to share feelings during this time of uncertainty.
Don't lose it in front of your kids! They need strength and reassurance now, not anything that will make them more anxious.
See where I'm going with this? The overwhelming theme is DO IT BUT ALSO DON'T DO IT. If that were a thesis statement, I would not give it a decent grade.
Listen, the one truth that is absolute is that none of us knows what is going to happen. We can make educated guesses based on statistics and numbers, but we don't really and truly know. That's maddening. By sharing tips, tricks, and heartfelt sentiments, we're all just trying to help each other. I suppose if one person is helped by one meme or reminder that it's okay to feel however you feel, it's worth it. But I tend to think that all of the advice can make people feel guilty about what they are or are not doing.
So, what's my point? I guess it's that you should do what's right for you and not listen to everyone else. (Continue to listen to me, of course.) Bake or don't bake. Read or don't read. Exercise or don't exercise. Clean or don't clean. Whatever gives you comfort and strength is what should be your main focus right now. I mean, wash your hands and stay home, but while you're at home, you do you, boo, with no apologies.
