life, liberty, and the pursuit of freedom … even in quarantine

The other day, I passed a political protest at the government center. American flags flew, and yellow signs flapped saying, “Don’t tread on me.” A cavalcade of cars with signs on them demanded the right to go back to work. To open their businesses. To be allowed to assemble. To not wear a mask.

I don’t do political, and I know these are serious concerns, both from those who need the money and from, oh, the entire world who needs to be safe. These problems affect so many lives.

Setting aside the pros and cons of peaceable protest and political discourse, I started thinking about my own liberties as I stay at home and comply with the stay at home order.

Every morning I wake up and stay home.

Every morning I need to decide what to do within that time.

Clearly, it’s up to me.

I have always loved that concept—the idea of freedom within restraints. It’s no wonder I love reading Viktor Frankl. That I appreciate sonnets and haikus.

So what am I thinking about doing within the time I am blessed with everyday?

Get my work done, yes, and all my usual things. But also new stuff.

Having my kid (11) paint my nails. However the hell she wants.

Letting myself have a different hair color and trusting my husband to cut my hair.

Reading new books and new genres of books. Watching new movies.

Swimming. Walking down the street. Playing games. Picking tangerines.

Reminding myself that I still have the freedoms. Even if I have to stay home.