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Sheryl Kraft

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April 20, 2020

What is COVID Teaching Us? Damned if I Know…

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

…But there must be something.

Just as the first shelter-in-place directives were shouting their way around the world, I found my moods wildly ping-ponging  between those YOU-DONT-WANT-TO-GO-THERE places of panic, sadness, insecurity and despair.

By this time in our so-called midlife, only a select and lucky few are unfamiliar with these emotions. By now, most (all?) of us have suffered personal and professional losses; likewise, we’ve experienced illness, stood by helplessly watching a loved one suffer, and are old enough to understand that life doesn’t always go our way.

  • We’ve learned what makes us happy, and what makes people who matter to us happy.
  • We’ve learned what upsets us, and what upsets people that we care about most.
  • We’ve learned that things don’t always go our way, and how to be flexible when they don’t.
  • We’ve learned our limitations, and how to test them.
  • We’ve learned to accept reality, yet that it is oftentimes within our power to change it.

But despite all the valuable lessons I’ve managed to learn – and despite being able to pride myself on being older and wiser – somehow I’m having trouble drawing from these lessons in this very strange, dystopian universe we’re stuck in.

So, I had a very serious and honest conversation with myself last night, after my mini-weekly-meltdown. I used to have maxi-daily-meltdowns, so I suppose either a). I am, after all, drawing from my life experiences to manage better; or b). I’m adjusting to this new normal.

Option b is a lot more likely, because how could any of us possibly be equipped to deal with something of this magnitude and severity?????

Experts say to look for the learning opportunities in every adverse situation. So, let’s look…there are some here, there are some here, there are some here.

Right?

Here’s a glimpse into my conversation:

ME: My roots are gray. My nails are splitting. My brows…well, never mind those.

MY WISE(R) VOICE: If that’s the worst of your problems, you are one lucky woman. Use the time to nurture them. Do deep hair conditioning treatments, file down the ragged split nails and start from scratch; while you’re sitting around bingeing on Netflix or network of choice, brush on some nourishing oils.

Wear a cute hat (this is one of my favorites; it says it’s for men but I wear it anyway) to cover the grays, or use a temporary spray-in root concealer (this is the one many experts recommend.)

Grab your tweezers and take a brow lesson.

ME: I’m so sick of cooking!

Use the time to find new recipes you never had time to cook before. You might just discover some keepers! I never go wrong with any of Ina Garten’s recipes, which always taste restaurant-quality.

ME: I’m so sad about my loss of freedom.

Remember, it is temporary. And it’s a good thing you’re a homebody, anyway, so use the time to enjoy what you’ve always enjoyed – being home. One way to make your home even more cozy is with a deliciously-scented room diffuser.

ME: I miss my gym.

You’ve always loved to walk; get out there and spend time taking even longer walks. (Don’t forget about your Hoka’s).  Let the fresh air gently slap your face and remind you that you’re alive. Take time to notice the buds all around and let them be a signal that life will get back on track.  Listen to one of your favorite podcasts, or some soothing music, or call someone you care about.

Psst…If your wise(r) voice fails to prevail, here are some other helpful voices worth listening to:

AMA’s COVID-19 resource center

JAMA Network™

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

World Health Organization (WHO)

 

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Previous Post: « Underlying Conditions & Covid-19
Next Post: My Covid Journey (and The New York Times) »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Rosalba Gordon says

    April 21, 2020 at 11:18 am

    I love been home too and I’m so fortunate to have a partner that is gentle and easy going, that mean no drama at all! I had what you are talking about (nails, hair and skin in bad shape), and a cup of warm olive oil solved my problems. I’m in daily contact with family and friend trough social media that make feel close to them and not isolate at all. My husband has Parkinson and that condition is testing my strength, patience and understanding…, so far so good. I know for sure that when this pass we’ll be wiser and kinder that ever. Hopefully the human race have learned this lesson.

  2. Nancy Monson says

    April 21, 2020 at 11:25 am

    Good for you, Sheryl. In some ways, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to slow down and appreciate the small things in life…like a walk in your favorite sneakers!

  3. Sandy says

    April 21, 2020 at 11:59 am

    I love this post, Sheryl! Well said!
    And great product recommendations too!!!!

  4. Irene S. Levine says

    April 21, 2020 at 3:21 pm

    Thanks for all the reminders!

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About Me

What’s this so-called midlife, anyway?

It’s a time of tremendous change, growth and opportunity. A time to re-evaluate our choices, our experiences and ourselves. A time to take what we’ve accumulated up until now and put it to work.

When I turned 50, many things changed... read more about me.

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speaks realistically about what happens when we approach our 50’s and beyond

I think your website is GREAT!  It's hard to find an online space that speaks realistically about what happens when we approach our 50's and beyond.  Keep writing, and thanks for your support."
Sheryl Kraft
2016-11-29T02:25:43+00:00
I think your website is GREAT!  It's hard to find an online space that speaks realistically about what happens when we approach our 50's and beyond.  Keep writing, and thanks for your support."
https://sherylkraft.com/testimonials/readers-love-us/

A High School Student and Aspiring Writer from Australia Reaches Out…

I would love to hear a few things on the prospect from a first hand-perspective, and would be thrilled to learn more about it from you. Your advice is well valued and I’m very grateful to have such wise words from someone with such first hand experience.

I will be looking forward to reading more of your wonderful articles in the future!

Best wishes,

Mikayla

 
Sheryl Kraft
2017-01-17T13:37:55+00:00
I would love to hear a few things on the prospect from a first hand-perspective, and would be thrilled to learn more about it from you. Your advice is well valued and I’m very grateful to have such wise words from someone with such first hand experience. I will be looking forward to reading more of your wonderful articles in the future! Best wishes, Mikayla  
https://sherylkraft.com/testimonials/high-school-student-aspiring-writer-australia-reaches/

Due to your article, traffic and sales have been great this past week!

On behalf of our entire organization, we'd like to thank you so much for featuring our product in last week’s Parade Magazine. Due to your article, traffic and sales have been great this past week.! We are a small business that prides ourselves on excellent product quality and customer service. We work hard to make quality products and market them effectively but then sometimes you get a gift like your article which really takes us to the next level. We will be eternally grateful to you for choosing us as one of your eye product recommendations.

 
Sheryl Kraft
2018-12-07T02:46:56+00:00
On behalf of our entire organization, we'd like to thank you so much for featuring our product in last week’s Parade Magazine. Due to your article, traffic and sales have been great this past week.! We are a small business that prides ourselves on excellent product quality and customer service. We work hard to make quality products and market them effectively but then sometimes you get a gift like your article which really takes us to the next level. We will be eternally grateful to you for choosing us as one of your eye product recommendations.  
https://sherylkraft.com/testimonials/due-to-your-article-traffic-and-sales-have-been-great-this-past-week/

I’m writing to express my admiration for the work you are doing!

I'm a young medical writer trying to get a foothold in the industry, so the portfolio you have on your website showcasing your accomplishments is something that I'm aiming to achieve.

I don't want to take up too much of your time, but I am hoping you can share some advice, tips, or guidance as I work on this, my lateral career change!

Thanks for taking the time to read this - I know you probably have much more exciting things to be doing, but just know that your work is inspiring me to continue down this writing path.

 
Sheryl Kraft
2020-02-14T14:57:09+00:00
I'm a young medical writer trying to get a foothold in the industry, so the portfolio you have on your website showcasing your accomplishments is something that I'm aiming to achieve. I don't want to take up too much of your time, but I am hoping you can share some advice, tips, or guidance as I work on this, my lateral career change! Thanks for taking the time to read this - I know you probably have much more exciting things to be doing, but just know that your work is inspiring me to continue down this writing path.  
https://sherylkraft.com/testimonials/im-writing-to-express-my-admiration-for-the-work-you-are-doing/
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Sheryl Kraft
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