There’s nothing like a walk along the river on a hazy day in NYC. Despite the fog…it was actually very warm, with folks in short sleeves/shorts and it was a balmy day. During Covid I have been exploring photography and spending time outside in the evenings. Let’s see where this project takes me…Won’t you join me by following my photography? Please like, comment, share, etc!
I know what you’re thinking. What the heck does she mean by settling out? You’re right. It makes no sense. Times are so strange. I honestly wish that tomorrow was January 1st, 2021. 2020 has been a wipe, ha ha. Can we just skip to the good part? Anyways, let’s get started.
During COVID-19 everything has changed. Life is still topsy turvy here in NYC and I’m sure it’s crazy elsewhere, too. I’m finally settling in. I’m finally in a groove. This is all taking place…just when we are now starting to talk about re-opening. I’m still getting used to this new normal. I’m not ready to start a new phase of change (although I will have to adapt regardless and I’m prepared to do so). So I’ve settled in…but what about the next part? What about…settling…out? By that I mean how do we progress towards re-opening and changing our way of life for the 2nd time in a very recent period. How do we feel comfortable in such a chaotic and dangerous world/situation? We’ll have no choice. Life must go on, but how do we, in ourselves, prepare ourselves for the unknown and possible danger of the next phase. We must be brave. We must educate ourselves about how to be safe while moving around the city now. What will this new world look like? Will we be quarantined again? So that’s what I mean by settling out. Going out into the world again with whatever confidence in the face of fear that we can after upending our lives by quarantining (which I agree, has been good to do and may be best to continue). For the record, I don’t want the world to go back to the way things were before. Clearly that was not working, and we need to move forward in a different, more positive manner.
Although I am very well aware of the fact that the phrase settling out isn’t a logical term or a regular one, to me it perfectly captures the way that I’m feeling. How are you feeling?
Today I forced myself to get out for a brief walk in the park to give my body some much-needed exercise. The scenery did not disappoint! I’ve been writing a fair amount during my quarantining due to Covid-19 in NYC and social distancing, but today I needed a break. I hope the picture I took at my local park makes you happy!
Huh. Empty.
That’s an interesting word.
If anything, I feel,
Anything but empty.
It’s weird.
I’m isolated right now,
For the most part,
As are many of us.
But empty?
Not so much.
It’s more like…
Filled with emotion.
Fear.
Courage.
Strength of personal bonds.
Support from loved ones.
Terror of the unknown.
Thoughts of unease.
Thoughts of love.
My heart is abuzz.
My brain is on fire.
But empty,
As you’d rightfully assume,
That I’d feel,
I don’t.
Maybe it’s because,
There are so many helpers out there.
Here’s to the helpers.
Here’s to the heroes.
Sacrificing their lives,
In order to save ours.
Within seconds of reading today’s prompt, the very first thing that popped into my mind was my mother. The one helping me through all of this. She is a pillar of strength, and I can only hope to be as strong as her someday. Hopefully that day is soon. I’m very blessed to have such a good example in my life. I feel for those who don’t, as it is a very tough lesson to learn on your own. Here’s to the hand holders, the confidantes, the strength-givers, and the positivity offerers. Here’s to the helpers. Here’s to the examples. Here’s to the people working every day to fight this thing and conquer it; and conquer it we will. Here’s to the advocates. Here’s to the non-profit organizations offering any and all assistance. Here’s to the heroes. Here’s to the nurses, doctors, emt’s, hospital workers, police officers, grocery workers, drug store employees, and ALL of the helpers. I am so grateful for you. Living in NYC during this trying time is not easy, and I see the essential workers headed in day in and day out, putting themselves on the front lines while we have the blessing of staying safe at home. I truly hope that the world remembers and celebrates these heroes, courageously fighting the one thing that is terrifying so many, long after this pandemic. May we remember just how much they have done for us. May we fight for their benefits and their health. May we unite to be of service to each other. May we repay them with kindness and fabulous paychecks. Also, here’s to the teachers, who are currently adjusting to an entirely new way of teaching. Here’s to the educators who are working to provide assistance to the families with children at home by any means necessary. Finally, here’s to the world. May she heal during this time. May we learn to treat mother nature far better than we have for a long time. Also, here’s to you, dear ragtag community members and readers. We can do this.
Flounder. That’s an interesting word. I’d like to say that I’ve pulled up my bootstraps and fought my way through this with a smile on my face. Honestly, floundering is something that is hard not to do. At this moment it seems like the Big Apple is unrecognizable. I look out my window and it looks like a New York City I don’t know. It’s…devoid of people and energy. It’s…not NYC. I can only hope that everyone is at home re-configuring their lives and succeeding in the best way possible. Truthfully, this is the first time that I’ve gotten myself to the page. It’s a whirl of craziness even though everything is so still. Thousands and thousands of New Yorkers have all of the sudden become unemployed and the city is doing it’s best to accomodate all of that. It has put a massive strain on the infrastructure of the city, and we are all struggling to get through. We have quickly become the location with the highest amount of cases in the US and times are very uncertain. The interesting thing is, we will not be defeated. NY’ers…are tough, diligent, strong, and courageous. It’s been incredible, the way that the community has shown love during this time. I’m proud of my co-workers and proud of my city. NYC strong. We can do this. It may be dark now…but it will be light in time.
Photo credit: Alexis Azabache. Follow Alexis on twitter: @alexazabache1
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