I got out and walked first thing this morning. Just a mile, not my usual two; rain is moving in.
When I usually walk in the mornings, my neighborhood is bustling with people leaving for work, kids heading to school. Other people out walking or running. Dogs barking.
Not this morning. My little neighborhood was like a ghost town; not even dogs were barking. It was quiet; a soft sprinkle of rain and some birdsong, spring frogs singing. I was nearly done with my mile before I saw any signs of life.
My county is one of four where, starting today, schools are out until March 30, because of presumptive positive COVID-19 in our area. I was in Wal-Mart when the announcement came out; the governor gave the details, and people immediately hit the local stores, cleaning out paper goods, cleaning supplies, and food.
People are scared. I understand that; I’ve been approaching this as level-headed as I can, trying to moderate between the extremes, but I admit I had to fight down panic yesterday as I made my way through the store, hoping I could just get the things I was there for. I did shift my plans a bit, deciding to buy some of our usual staples so we wouldn’t have to go back for a few days. When I got home, my internet went out, and that’s when I really had to swallow panic.
The way through this is to follow the advice laid out from experts, but for my own mental wellbeing, I also have to look for the good in this situation. The good is that I have reduced my risks; not only by following the advice regarding cleaning myself and my environment but because I took unknowing steps years ago that serve to lower my risk today. Had I not opted to lose weight, I would surely be a diabetic by now, and while I am still on a low dose of blood pressure medication, continuing at my previous weight would have certainly increased the likelihood of heart disease.
As a morbidly obese adult, I had a rough time getting over even the smallest sickness. These days, I am healthy and I don’t find that to be the case at all. I am better prepared for whatever comes my way, which will more than likely be in the position of caregiver than one requiring care.
I hope that we remain healthy in the months to come, but I am far better equipped to meet any challenges that do arise. It’s a reinforcement to keep pushing hard for my own health at a time when it would be incredibly easy to sequester myself and let the mental demons in. I will not give up. I will remain strong because it matters; it’s times like now where all the work I’ve done pays off the most. I’m glad I took the chance; it’s never too late to keep taking that chance.