This foolsletter comes to you from a remarkably foolish place. I’m located in Nova Scotia, Canada a place my 90 year old Nanny calls ‘the best part of the best part of the world’. I liken a bit to ‘the shire’ in middle earth terms. People here like order. We’re less a fan of adventure.
We were one of the last places to even have a case of COVID. On the entire planet.
Nova Scotia’s zero COVID policy vanished with Omicron.
Though we are a highly vaccinated group, and the restrictions during this time frame were not severe. Things stayed open. Kids activities continued.
And yet.
And yet, I’m noticing a resigned weariness.
We’re a little place, a bit edgy - not in our culture, but in our location.
It’s normal for things to get here last.
If it’s a trend in Harajuku right now, that trend will be popular here in ten years.
We’re the last in, among the last out.
Widespread COVID arrived here with the latest variant. Our zero COVID policies were overwhelmed.
For the past two months I’ve been hunkered down, isolated and working on my book. Hunkered down with the blinds drawn, I’ve been focused. I’ve not spent much time looking up and out
Isolated.
Certainly enjoying the little miracles of life - sunshine, kittens and the laughter of mu children.
And, I’ve been avoiding people. I’m not doing some of the big things - surfing, cycling or connecting with friends. - withdrawn. Isolating myself with my work.
And I’ve gotta tell you, cutting myself off and working, I’ve been anxious and at times suspicious of others - both their judgments and intentions.
Aside from the very controlled meetings I have with clients, I’m not certain I know how to people anymore.
Now?
Restrictions are lifting.
I like this idea of things lifting. It suggests a direction - up.
Under a fluffy blanket of snow, the smells of spring are ready to hatch. The leaves will be here soon. Green is reaching out.
Life is reaching out.
Up and out - like Mr. Wonka’s great glass elevator - that’s our direction.
Up and out - that’s the stance of Remarkable Fools.
This doesn’t mean that we’re bubbly, effusive or extroverted. It’s more of a direction that I think our spirits are headed together. Up and out.
It’s more than just a posture, a pose or stance.
It’s a direction for our hearts.
Up and out.
It’s a direction for our gaze.
Up and out.
It’s the direction for our intentions.
Up and out.
Let’s find each other now.
Times are tough. Isolation is heavy.
It’s time for the enlightenment that can only come with connection.
It’s time for us to connect.
Up and out people.
Look up!
The sun is warm.
Love lives.
Life is everywhere.
Hope blooms.
Up and out.
My work involves reaching out. I, too, have felt compelled to isolate; conflict within. The path to wellness is connection and I want to help. So I can help by connecting. I am so thankful that my loved ones are under the same roof. I am empathetic toward those who are living alone. I recognize that my face on zoom may be the only loving interaction they have that day. The customer at my Farmers' Market; they are uncertain and may be lonely, too. The power of eye contact and "Have a great day", and a light conversation is potentially the highlight of someone's day. Many strangers have been the highlight for mine.
Life is reaching out!!