We’re well into the summer which brings three digit temperatures some days here in Southern California. Given that I adhere to staying indoors during such times, my air conditioning system having been serviced to prepare for such weather, I haven’t been bothered by this heat.
Perhaps, like many of you, I continue to follow the “stay at home” health scientist’s admonitions we’re given to minimize contracting Covid-19. I find it incredibly unbelievable that there are those continuing to fail to recognize or respect the seriousness of this virus for themselves and others.
They seem to not have a mind of their own, blindly following our nation’s leader – as do so many in his administration, our Congress and even the Justice Dept. – by taking few precautions to lessen the potential of spreading this contagious disease. Future generations studying history will read of this time, incredulously wondering how so many people could use such poor judgement as to make no effort to stem the tide of illness and death in the U.S. from Covid-19.
We do know life is unpredictable but there are some actions we can take to enhance our own lives and minimize events we might wish to avoid happening. My own most recent unpredictable experience has resulted in my welcoming visits from a home health nurse who has aided in addressing some continuing frustrating medical issues.
I recently chose to use our city’s local senior transportation system as I have done twice in past years when it was either most convenient or I felt it was unwise to drive myself. Unfortunately, this outing was not as satisfactory, but I may be able to avoid the issue in the future. The driver returning me home told me how to circumvent her office’s repeating the problem.
Those I’ve encountered have worn masks and observed the recommended six feet separation. I’m still able to avoid grocery store shopping between internet ordering, and younger neighbors purchasing items I request when they shop for themselves. I expect to soon drive myself to occasionally pick up orders and go to select restaurant drive thrus as I had been doing.
When I encounter limitations causing changes in my daily activities I can find myself simplifying my life, reassessing what is necessary, establishing priorities. I’m frustrated with having to allow some needed tasks to go undone, but sometimes we have no choice but to proceed taking care of only the bare necessities.
Simplicity and what is necessary is relative, perhaps on a continuum as I’m reminded of reflections I’ve had on the topic. Time spent housecleaning is one such item for consideration. My view about what matters, what is important, has changed through the years, just as has my differentiating between wants and needs, a matter of judgement.
If I want to get down to the basics/minimum, all I need is food/nourishment, shelter to stay dry, cool, or warm, and clothing though some might question that latter need. Everything after that may be optional, governed by what else I have incorporated into my life. However, I must admit there does seem to be much more I’ve grown accustomed to thinking of as necessary that has evolved over time in terms of possessions and their care including the house interior.
I’m not really desirous of acquiring many items so that poses little problem. Caring for my house interior does present a problem as I’m reluctant to have someone unknown to me come to provide interior help during this virus, but I’m way past due in being able to keep up.
A most recent contact I was given seems to no longer be available with the phone not accepting calls. So, my challenge has become reconciling myself to seeking assistance elsewhere and trusting it will be a safe experience. Clearly, this is a need at this point, a necessary simplification to my life.
