As the demand for strict social isolation is loosening it is time to begin resurfacing in our communities and beyond.  Time to “leave the nest” and venture out into the world.  And when we emerge, we see a similar but different world from before.  Line ups to do practically everything from shopping to banking to getting the mail. Some people wearing elaborate masks and gloves, while others merely turn or walk away when approached. Humans are social by nature, but this doesn’t seem or feel social in the way it used to be. Reports of social anxiety and panic are increasing, especially as people are coming out of their safe havens.  Yet at the same time, we have more loneliness and depression being reported because of the isolation we’ve endured. We need to connect, but how can we connect when we are fearful, anxious or depressed?

This is not an easy one to answer. The initial threat of this virus and the safety measures we were forced to follow were scary.  Add to that, the fear mongering used by most media sources and we found ourselves in a mess. If you weren’t anxious or scared before, the media made sure you were now!  But over time, and with the steady guidance of credible health ministers having a solid medical / immunological education, we were offered a slow but steady way out of all this. Not what was being offered by those entertainers or media journalists who fancy themselves as experts or influencers, but by the real folks who work and plan for this type of crisis daily. In our province, we were blessed to have Dr. Bonnie Henry at the helm.  With her kind but firm approach, we followed her directions and now we find ourselves coming out the other side of this crisis. She stayed on top of things, offering information and direction so that we could navigate these uncharted waters. And she supported our efforts every step of the way. 

In this high-tech, fast-paced world, Dr. Henry gave us (and continues to give us) directions based on good old common sense. Directions that we could follow. Directions that would help us and our communities stay safe. Proper hand-washing, social distancing to prevent contamination, staying away from others if you felt unwell or had a fever, get fresh air, exercise, take your vitamins – these were things we could all do.But there was more than just a physical approach to fighting this virus. Be kind, be safe, stay connected – how many times have we heard her say this?  And therein lies the answer:  long after the physical threat of this virus is gone, we are left with the psycho-emotional effects it has had on us.

Being in a state of fear and uncertainty for a prolonged time can erode our sense of trust and our feelings of safety (not to mention deplete our immune system). These are foundational qualities needed to go about our daily activities: work, school, worship, shopping, banking, socializing etc.  These are the activities that give sparkle to our lives. These are the activities that give us purpose, community and connection. But they can’t fully happen unless we step out our front door. So how do we begin to venture out and re-connect with our world?

Ask yourself: 

• What can I control in this situation?  Realizing that you have choices and control can help quell some of the anxiety you are feeling. Focus on what you can control.
• What do I need in this situation in order to feel safe?  Anticipate scenarios and how you will respond. By having a plan, you can feel more in charge of the situation.
• How do I handle risk? As we come out of isolation, we face choices about type of risk, amount of risk and the benefits/consequences of risk. The degree to which we can accept risk will be important in helping us “take a chance” at getting back into the dance of living.

It is always your choice as to how, when and why you proceed with rejoining the world around you.  Some folks may choose to remain in isolation a bit longer – they may need more information, confidence or comfort supplies before venturing out.  Others may charge out their front door and take on anything and everything they can.  Most of us will begin in a slow and steady expansion of our world and our activities. Ah yes, the Middle Road!

Amid the fear born out of pandemic, we must find a way to create a meaningful life. We must find our courage and recover our sense of trust and security so we can discover how to dance the dance of life again. It may look and feel different for a while, but the music plays on. Take one step at a time, and soon we’ll be on that dance floor, under the disco ball, dancing like we’ve never danced before.  Sparkle on!