We’re 1 week into this (in the US) and the change is palpable.

When Americans first heard about COVID-19 (AKA coronavirus), it felt a million miles away. Something scary the people in China were dealing with, but something distant, and not something we needed to be too concerned about.

On March 8th, I saw the new Broadway production of Jagged Little Pill (amazing!).  On March 12th, Broadway turned off the lights for the foreseeable future.

March 13th marked the first day of my mandatory work-from-home schedule.

And slowly but surely, city-by-city and state-by-state, Americans have been told to shelter-in-place. Nearly everything is closed, except for grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, and gas stations. Although you can still exercise outside, the streets are quiet. The air is thick. And you can feel that change coming.

I don’t just mean a change in health, financial circumstances or daily habits. I mean the change within us all.  A change in mindset.  A spiritual change.

On my walk to the grocery store today, I waved and said hello to 6 people. SIX PEOPLE. We made eye contact, smiled, and waved. This would not have happened a week ago. We are already missing social engagement and connecting with our friends and coworkers. So, in an attempt to connect, we are saying hello to our neighbors in bolder ways.

I’ll take that silver lining for now.

Don’t get me wrong, I know this is going to be hard. And devastating. This will touch all of our lives, in small ways and large. And it will cause all of us to rumble with our demons, as Brene Brown explains. But from this fire, we can rise like the phoenix. With a new lease on life, clearer priorities, and a more compassionate a humbled heart.

It’s just the beginning.

While it’s not much consolation, we’re in this together. Technically we’re apart, but collectively, we’re in it together. Which I personally find to be beautiful.

I’m not sure if I’ll post weekly or just this once, but heck, I’ve got nothing but time on my hands. Sooo, you may be hearing from me more.

Love and hugs and air-high-fives to you all! Stay safe out there.

Erin Terese