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<\/p>\nIt’s hard to believe it’s been one year since that first covid case in Canada.\u00a0 A year ago things were still normal.\u00a0 We were watching what was happening in China as spectators.\u00a0 It hadn’t affected us yet.<\/p>\n
Fast forward to March.\u00a0 We had been dealing with teacher strikes.\u00a0 Kids out of class for a day.\u00a0 We felt that frustration.\u00a0 We were worried about their education.\u00a0 How our kids would be effected if teachers went on strike.\u00a0 Remember that?<\/p>\n
Then began the longest March Break in history for our kids.\u00a0 They were sent home and never went back until September.<\/p>\n
The day BEFORE the lockdown, the Fox staff had picture day.\u00a0 Together.\u00a0 In the parking lot.<\/p>\n
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We haven’t worked together in that building since that day. How strange is that?<\/p>\n
Seems so long ago.\u00a0 \u00a0Never thought I could miss people so much.<\/p>\n
When you look back, it’s hard to imagine we would still be here now.\u00a0 Worse than we were before.\u00a0 That first lock down was scary.\u00a0 Sarnia was a ghost town in the daytime when normally it was busy with traffic and people.<\/p>\n
Parking lots empty.\u00a0 Streets empty.\u00a0 Signs up in windows “Thank you health care workers”\u00a0 \u00a0“Stay safe”<\/p>\n
We almost em![\"\"](\"https:\/\/storage.briwebapp.net\/2021\/01\/7c00cd07-20200312_111120-300x168.jpg\")
braced the break from the fast paced world.\u00a0 \u00a0We enjoyed time together as a family.\u00a0 \u00a0Board games and puzzles were popular again and hard to find.<\/p>\n
We embraced our social bubble when it was allowed.\u00a0 Making the most of every conversation with those we loved.\u00a0 \u00a0We found unique ways to share celebrations with zoom calls and drive by parades.\u00a0 \u00a0We got used to lines and standing six feet apart.\u00a0 Wearing masks everywhere.\u00a0 Trying to understand each other through a layer of plexiglass that separated us everywhere we went.<\/p>\n
One by one, all our events were cancelled or postponed.\u00a0 Live shows and concerts a thing of the past.\u00a0 No new movies or tv shows as everything got shut down.\u00a0 No broadway shows.\u00a0 No big events.\u00a0 We moved online.\u00a0 With Zoom meetings and concerts and sometimes workouts.<\/p>\n
Curbside delivery was a new thing to get used.\u00a0 The first time I ever ordered plants for my garden without being able to wander the greenhouse and take in the atmosphere and browse and touch.<\/p>\n
We saw things start to open up and it was bizarre to be able to walk into a store again, or sit at a restaurant patio table.<\/p>\n
We’re back in lockdown and following the stay at home order as best we can.\u00a0 \u00a0No visits.\u00a0 No gatherings.\u00a0 \u00a0Staying home.\u00a0Only going out for essentials.\u00a0 This weekend I was out for groceries and had to pick up some shampoo and conditioner and ended up with a box of cheap hair dye and a new colour of nail polish, and again, I apologized to the cashier.\u00a0 “Maybe not so essential” I said, pointing to the polish and the hair colour.\u00a0 She smiled and said “Whatever makes you feel good right now, IS essential.”\u00a0 I was so grateful for that smile, and that reassurance and reminder that taking care of our mental health right now is more important than it ever has been.<\/p>\n
Today, as I thought back on the year, and all we have been through – I made sure to focus more on myself.\u00a0 I made sure I got my morning exercise in to get the day started.\u00a0 I made myself get dressed for my workday.\u00a0 I put on my makeup and did my hair.\u00a0 I painted my nails. It is so important that you do things for yourself every single day that make you feel good. Now more than ever.<\/p>\n
Whatever routine you used to have, keep doing it as much as possible.\u00a0 Get up. Get dressed.\u00a0 Colour your hair.\u00a0 Paint your nails.\u00a0 Do something every day that will help you get through it.<\/p>\n
I listened in on my grade 12 daughter’s class today.\u00a0 They had a special guest from a local agency speak to them about just how important it is to pay attention to how you are feeling, because mental health right now NEEDS to be a priority.\u00a0 \u00a0Be aware of how you are feeling.\u00a0 And make sure you are doing things every day to help you with the stress and anxiety you might be feeling.\u00a0 \u00a0I am thankful our schools care about our kids and their mental health and bring in someone to help them.\u00a0 I am thankful my workplace helps us as well.\u00a0 We have conversations about how we are feeling, and I know that if I need to walk away from my desk during the day at any time, I can, if that’s what I need to do.\u00a0 If I need to hop in the car and go for a drive around the block, or just leave the room to break down and cry – I am so lucky I can do that.<\/p>\n
This pandemic is HARD on all of us.\u00a0 We are all feeling it in one way or another and all affected by it differently as well.<\/p>\n
To think back in March, we were hopeful this would be behind us by summer.\u00a0 Sigh.<\/p>\n
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger?\u00a0 We’re all feeling hulk like strength right about now.<\/p>\n
We’re tired. Frustrated.\u00a0 Angry.\u00a0 Sad.\u00a0 Disappointed.\u00a0 Discouraged.\u00a0 And it’s all okay.\u00a0 \u00a0I feel like we go through all the emotions each and every day.\u00a0 Holding our breath.\u00a0 Hoping tomorrow is better.\u00a0 Hoping tomorrow is a day closer to this all being over.<\/p>\n
We’re getting there.<\/p>\n
We’re getting through it.<\/p>\n
Today I challenge you to do something for YOU.\u00a0 Something that brings a smile to your face and makes you happy.\u00a0 \u00a0I’m going to try a new recipe and make some healthier snack options.<\/p>\n
I’m going to have a dance party in my scrapbook room\/ home office this afternoon between 2 and 6 and hope you will join me.\u00a0 Seriously.\u00a0 Join in.\u00a0 I don’t like to dance alone.<\/p>\n
I’m going to eat peanut butter out of the jar and possibly watch another episode of Schitt’s Creek later.<\/p>\n
Keep taking care of yourself.<\/p>\n