First things first: HOW is it already almost the end of July?! Where is this year going? And is it just me, or is the pandemic making time go both more slowly and more quickly all once? Weird stuff, y’all, weird stuff!
Alright, now that that’s out of the way, it’s time for some open-hearted real talk.
I recently made a well-intended but ill-timed PSA on my personal social media. For the most part, the response was positive. I got lots of virtual love regarding it. What I didn’t think through was the discomfort and hurt it could cause a friend – and hurt them it did. I am lucky enough that this friend didn’t just “cancel” me, but instead took the time to open up – something that’s not easy and that I truly appreciated! Happily, the conversation went well, and I got home feeling positive and proud of us for our strong friendship. And yet, soon after I felt this awful lump in my throat and feelings of anxiety creeping in. What was happening?!
I tried to figure out what was up. Did I think I could have done one step better? Sure. Did I also stand by what I did? Mostly. Were my prenatal hormones exacerbating the situation? Probably. So what was with this grody feeling I had? It took me a while to sort it out. Like any good sleuth, I used all the tools at my disposal: I sad snacked (nutella and potato chips are a winning combo, FYI), I focused on work, and I even tried zoning out with Netflix. Nothing, until finally, it hit me: contact. During our heartfelt emotional chat, my friend and I hadn’t been able to give each other any type of physical reassurance or support! This was definitely a convo that needed a hug out at the end! But darn this pandemic! Instead we had to sit in sort of “interview fashion” with distance between us and no friendly arm pat in sight!
It’s just one of the many many ways that this pandemic has impacted our interactions, big and small. And while it wasn’t a dealbreaker, it did make the conversation somehow more formal and less healing (for me) in the moment. Needless to say, it got me wondering: what do we do? How do we keep moving our friendships and relationships forward, without the basic human experience of touch? The truth is that I’m not sure. But I know that we’ve got to keep trying!
So with that in mind, here are a few things that I have been able to share with friends and family that have brought me some joy these past few months:
- Recipe sharing – thank goodness for Pinterest! I’ve shared so many recipes with friends since the pandemic began and it’s been really fun to try the same ones together (in our own respective kitchens), seeing how things turn out and finding new ideas!
- A few of my faves have included these delicious Fudgey Paleo Brownies from JoyFoodSunshine, these AMAZING pancakes from Mama Knows Gluten Free, and these fab Crispy Baked Buffalo Tofu Wings from The Curious Chickpea.
- WindowSwap – It’s the simplest of joys, but WindowSwap provides you a view from other’s windows. Users submit 10 minutes of continual view from their window, and are geotagged. You can watch for as long as you want before switching to somewhere else in the globe. Not only is it oddly soothing to think about life going on globally, but it’s also fun to see new views! (Especially after 4 months of mostly one!)
- My virtual fitness classes – being able to connect with students, friends and family via my teaching work has brought me so much joy! I’ve had everyone from my friend’s 3 year old on screen to my 80 year old grandma and I just wouldn’t have it any other way! (You can check out my weekly sweat schedule here!)
- MarcoPolo – The app that allows you to leave video messages. So simple and yet so fun. You can watch live as your friends leave you messages, or choose to add filters/silliness on your own. It’s been great for those who live in other time zones – much cozier than a delayed text/WhatsApp message response!
What are you missing the most about the pre-pandemic ways of connecting? What ways have you found to connect with your friends and family? I’d love to hear your stories!
Big big hugs!
Xoxo,
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