Like a Low-Grade Fever

We are emerging from the short, dark days of winter. With each day — which is now lighter, longer, and warmer — we are reminded of our resiliency. In my garden, first to come out were the snowbells, then the crocus, and now the bold, confident daffodils. During the months of cocooning and the year of social distancing, I had forgotten how much energy I receive from the sunshine and from simply being outside. I love living with my front door open so that the cool, fresh air can fill my little cottage and my animal family can roam inside and out. Today the buds are on my trees and the birds are having a heyday celebration.

It is time to shake off this past year. And nearly time to shake off the pandemic.

This past month, we started to see the start of another transition in our lives and work, from constant virtual working, a blended work and home life, extra protocols, and what everyone agrees has been a time of chronic stress, to yet another future unknown, another phase of not-going-back-to-normal. The transition has caused me to ask a set of questions, something I am well known for. I have been asking friends, colleagues, and clients, this two-part query:

“On a likert scale — 1 being low and 10 being high — what is your level of frustration? What is your level of satisfaction?”

Surprisingly, many who answered the questions replied that their levels were moderate to high in both their satisfaction and frustration. Dig a little deeper and discuss levels of stress and most everybody acknowledges symptoms of cumulative stress.

I compared this to a chronic low-grade fever. Fortunately, not the fever that accompanies COVID-19 but a metaphorical fever that follows us around like a shadow.

It is time to shake it off — with movement, quiet time, outdoor adventures, and just sitting.

My metaphorical low-grade fever peaked when the vaccine became available. I found myself waiting to become eligible; and then, sourcing a place and time for an appointment became a daily time-suck. Unknowingly, it ratcheted up my fever and made me touchy and even short tempered. Until I booked my first vaccine appointment, I was more anxious than before the vaccine had become available!

Did you experience something similar?

In keeping with the metaphor I have been using for the entire pandemic, I wonder if new marathoners experience a little anxiety when nearing the finish line of a marathon. Having come so far, is it hard to remain patient to navigate the last few miles of this challenging race?

How about you?

What are you starting to do now that you can be outside?

Is there something you haven’t done for a year that is on the top of your list?

Is there something that you are going to leave behind with the pandemic year in the rear view mirror?

Do you have a master lesson or something that you are grateful for having discovered during this challenging experience?

It is not over yet, but I am feeling the special energy of the sunshine.

May health and happiness be with you!