This week’s reflection comes from Martha Howard:
COVID-19: a new paradigm for day-to-day living
We are in an era with a new paradigm for day to day living. It has allowed some time for reflections on our pre-Covid life for a comparison. I am enjoying the opportunity to reflect on a less harried life, although it is a full one. I sleep in longer each day, and have a cup of decaf instead of tea which is a luxury. We look forward to walking our dog, Belle, almost every day, and maintain better contact with family and friends. Switching gears has brought with it some discoveries as well.
I have experienced a change in my daily work schedule to include examining premature babies in the neonatal intensive care unit, as they are at risk for developing retinopathy or prematurity which is a potentially blinding condition. This role arose as my colleague who has done this solo for several decades has been sidelined for personal protection. It is the same wonderful, nurturing environment that I remember from my weekly visits to the hospital in McAllen, Texas 20 years ago. The nurses are very protective and caring, and the physicians are dedicated and skillful. Taking care of these tiny babies is an incredible joy but causes a surreal sensation that mirrors the experience of our current lives. It is out of my usual experience, and there is tremendous beauty found in this special place.
I am wishing for you all to look for a moment of beauty in your lives. It is past the new and greater hassles of getting food on the table, getting the kids’ school work done at home, the added cleaning chores and stir craziness. It may be spotting wildlife on a hike in the woods, or an outburst of joy while playing with your children, or reading something well written, funny or ridiculous in a book or poem, reading a chapter book as a family on Skype, or working in your garden, anticipating the fruits of your labor. Good luck on your discoveries, and best wishes for you and your family to stay healthy!
Martha Howard