Halloween, 2020-style

This year is one where nothing feels quite right. I mean that in an overall sense. We’re all going about our days knowing it’s different than last year. And at this time last year, what’s happening now was unfathomable.

I know two people who have died from COVID-19 and lots more people who have tested positive. I know people who can’t pay their rent, have been laid off, have been in untenable situations. And this is just in my tiny corner of the world. When you look at what is happening all over the planet … well, I can’t, frankly. Because it’s too much for my shoulders to carry. I know it’s there, though.

In addition to these very real and serious problems, those of us (mostly) staying home are coping in different ways.

That requires a whole separate set of skills. I’ve been spending a lot of time noticing when I’m anxious and when I’m not. And when it’s so bad it requires Ativan.

It gets kind of easy to focus on what we can’t do. Today, for example. No trick-or-treating. No Halloween parties. No massive amounts of candy.

And that’s just thinking about tonight.

But then I try to pivot and think about what I can do instead. What we have done so far.

My kid dressed up and carved two pumpkins. She dressed up the dog. She roasted pumpkin seeds.

I went in our hot tub and got a manicure. I read a book and listened to an audiobook. I wrote words.

That’s kind of my ideal day, really.

I am the sort who prefers to stay home rather than go be social. So, I do thrive in these limited circumstances. I’ve written more words, read more books, and watched more movies than I have in a long time.

I’m thinking It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is in the queue tonight.

How are you coping?

I’m thinking that the more we know we’re all in this together, the better it is for us all.