I added a post to Instagram and FaceBook today. Going forward, I hope to offer inspiration or reminders on a regular basis through social media. I hope you are able to follow us there. Use Stretching Forward Retreats to find the pages on both FaceBook and Instagram or the links below.
The post today seems so appropriate right now. “Only when we begin to be awake do we realize how asleep we have been.” As we start to venture out into the world we left behind last March, we need to be gentle with ourselves. Whether the past year has been difficult for you, or a nice breather in a hectic life - or both! - our new normal awaits. We have learned to wash hands, wear masks, do social distancing, and become immunized. It is time to take baby steps. I did some stretching last week when my husband asked me to go inside a restaurant for happy hour. The only other time I had been inside a restaurant since last March was a couple of weeks ago to meet friends we hadn’t seen in a year and a half. I was on edge the entire evening as we sat and enjoyed each other’s company. The food was delicious, the community fabulous, but I was very aware of all going on around me. We wore masks when not eating. I was uncomfortable even though we had all had our second immunizations. This week, it was just the two of us, going to a favorite locale from BC (before covid). I felt a little more settled this time. We sat alone at a corner hightop with no one within 12 feet of our table. Our waiter wore a mask the entire evening. My husband toasted our getting out when our drinks came and I smiled. Our conversation became fun, inspiring, and connecting. I didn’t realize how much I had missed those times together, out on the town, feeling carefree and opening up to each other. It was then I realized that I have been asleep for awhile. It has been comfortable and safe to be at home, but I am ready to slowly wake up and start savoring a more “normal” life.
We can start to move ahead and still stay safe. Can you relate? What have you done this season to start stretching forward? I look forward to hearing your responses.
