This week, I crossed a new milestone. I made a dental appointment for an exam. That hardly seems like a milestone, except that it was a symbolic new level of re-entry into PRE post-pandemic life. I am coining the new phrase because the Pandemic is not over, but certainly in California, there is cautious optimism that we are moving beyond it. It's a time of taking stock of what needs to be done, while it can be done--moving forward, but a with sense that the situation could still change--looking backward, yet, each day brings lower case counts and rising vaccinations.
My teeth had been giving me signals to begin my return to a "changing normal" with the dentist. My car gave me signals, too, that it needed a visit to the mechanic. The mechanic responded that his business was swamped by people who now felt free to have things fixed that they had largely ignored over the last year. I have to wait my turn. The dentist squeezed me in, all masking protocols, practical distancing, and sanitation stations well in place. I felt safe, comfortable and reassured. I go back tomorrow for my cleaning.
Different areas of the country, differing populations will have their own pace and so will you as an individual. What is calling you to action? Expect the back and forth movement of returning to life beyond your doorstep, as is the way of all healing. Listen, especially to the calling of self-care. (Susan Nettleton)