Crisis Lessons

The last month – March being the longest month ever – has taught me a great many lessons.  I’m sure you’ve learned a lot, too. These times make you learn things about yourself and others, whether good or bad, and whether you want to or not.  

This is what I’ve learned…

Isolation Isn’t So Bad

I’m an introvert so I have it easy – and I know this.  I also have plenty of crafts to keep me busy and plenty of books to read.  Add in TV and movies and I’m set. Outside of not being able to see my friends and family, life has actually changed for the better for me.  

Having no commute means my stress level has decreased.  My resting heart rate is down. There are definitely benefits to this sheltering in place thing.

The Outdoors are Lovely

If this isolation was happening in July or August, I would not feel this way.  But this time has taught me that being outside, even in the familiarity of my own backyard, is a lovely thing.  I’ve come to relish the time, right after I get off of work, that Matt and I sit on the back porch. It’s rejuvenating – and calming. 

Keep More Food on Hand

Always be prepared that stores may run out of food.  The supply chain is still working but it’s not going to be this good forever.   We need to be prepared. Don’t do anything drastic and don’t hoard food. But buy a few extra nonperishable items to add to the pantry every time you go to the store.  After a few trips, you’ll have four items and so on. After a few months of this, you’ll be able to weather a food shortage.

One thing is for sure….  After ordering groceries online for a month now, I will never, ever complain again about going to the grocery store.

People Really Aren’t That Smart

This is something I’ve feared for a long time.  But the very tiny optimist in me has always argued when someone would make blank statements that people really are not that smart.  If anything, this crisis has taught me that the majority of people do not seek out information – they do not try to understand global situations nor do they apply that understanding to their own lives.  

This frightens me.  Someone that I know, who I thought to be very intelligent, is woefully ignorant in even the symptoms of COVID-19 (not to mention the recovery/contagion timeline)….and she got it.  That means that she was walking around the grocery store, without a mask, days after thinking maybe she had the illness – and was highly contagious. This is irresponsible to everyone around you – and to society as a whole.  It’s your obligation to know what is going on.

Keep a Yarn Stash

Seriously.  Knitters should not be without yarn because you will need it during the next crisis.  We don’t know how bad things will get so always be prepared with plenty of yarn. No joke!  

I’ve seen some independent yarn dyers close up shop recently and I’m very, very sad about this.  I’m trying to support them whenever I can – yarn is nonperishable, after all – but there are so many out there.  I don’t want to lose one of them, so if you can support them, do.  

We must support each other during this time!  I hope you are taking care and knitting on!