THINGS I LEARNED THIS WEEK
ONE: I’ve been thinking about being obedient and have decided it really matters. Maybe during this crisis, it will turn out in our favor if we are obedient. It’s a word that as YOUTH we didn’t like hearing. “Don’t you know how to be obedient?” Maybe there is even an obedient gene that we inherit, but depending on who raises us, it might expire by a certain date. Or maybe it’s the weather where we live—the amount of sunshine versus stormy weather determines if we follow traffic signals, register our vehicles, pay taxes. Or it’s our age, we get to a certain point and say “the hell with that; I’m going to make my own rules and do what I damn please.”
Of course most of the above is not serious thinking. We go through stages in our lives where obedience matters: turning in a paper on time; following coaches’ instructions. We begin to see that doing what is asked of us is often the best way. Until it isn’t. Until we decide to cheat on an exam, or fudge something on a test or application or lie to a friend, a spouse–I don’t know. There are many ways to disobey or cheat. There are lots of names for it.
But what I have learned this week is that sheltering in place SAVES LIVES. If you love or hate math–it doesn’t matter. Just look at the statistics. Those who are sheltering in place are saving lives. SO THANK YOU.
TWO: Knowledge is always power, and sometimes we are glad to be able to rely on that knowledge. In short, this is a time to read, to educate oneself and to make sure you are getting the right information. IGNORANCE is not BLISS, as it can lead to your getting sick and dying. Or even worse, those who choose NOT TO OBEY, can spread COVID19 and cause the death of others–and often unknowingly. I will always be grateful that in my 40’s, I decided I needed to know more about medicine and went back to school, became an RN. Now that knowledge is real power that I can use to explain things not only to others, but to calm my family and myself.
THREE: Some people are just gifted with the ability to lift out spirits. And so I’m sharing with you a piece for all animal lovers, but especially cats. This was written by Linda Moriarty in Studio City, CA. I think it’s wonderful when during these times writers can lift our spirits while we are sheltering in place.
HERE IS HER PIECE:
Stuck inside, watching my cat, I realized how low her stress level is and see that the best way to get through this is to emulate my cat.
First, try to eat at regular times, but just small meals. Spend an hour or two looking out the window watching birds and squirrels.
Don’t forget, when the doorbell rings, to hide. Be leery of strangers. Don’t let anyone touch you. Take at least two to three baths a day to relax and stay calm. For exercise, run around the house and up and down the stairs at least 20 times a day. Take as many naps as you want and do a lot of stretches. Don’t forget to sit on part of the newspaper while reading it. Groom yourself often because you can’t get to the salon.
I’m practicing these things and reading books and feeling better. But I’m really getting tired of tuna!!
THANKS SO MUCH, Linda! Take care everyone, and see you next week, Beth
Librarian Cat by DEVIANT ART. THANK YOU. It’s so purr-fect for this piece.
