What do I do when quarantined for two or more weeks? I prepare for a four-month trip on the river. Doesn’t everyone? In other words, life is going on as usual here. The only difference is outside forces aren’t fighting for my time—no decisions to make on what activities will drag me away from my home, no feeling guilty if I say no. Don’t get me wrong, I am an extrovert and thrive when I am around people, but I also enjoy not needing to say no to the outside world when it creeps into my prep time (planning, dehydrating, and vacuum packing 800 breakfasts, snacks, lunches, dinners, and desserts takes a while). So, even though I believe it is life as usual here, the stress is less. (I only wish I were writing more, not spending most of my day preparing for a trip.)
With the food dehydrator humming in the background, I am listening to Christmas music (yes, Christmas music) and thinking (surprise, huh?). When we were on the river, while confined in our tent on a rainy day, we coined the term “forced relaxation.” I loved our days of forced relaxation, usually a result of storms, high winds, etc. During those times, I watched John sleep, played solitaire, read a book on my iPad (later in the trip, I bought and preferred hold-in-your-hand books), and beat John in two-handed euchre.
During one of our forced relaxation days, I journaled, pondering our current situation. How often do I allow myself to experience forced relaxation at home? Did I even know there was such a thing as forced relaxation? Can I create forced relaxation without being trapped in a tent? Do I even remember how to relax? So, here I am now pondering this again. Instead of seeing this “stay at home” order as a chance to relax, I am filling my days with more activity, not socially, but here at home. Apparently, I didn’t learn anything from our trip. At the end of the week, I am proud to list the foods I have dehydrated, the new recipe I tried, and an alternative method of rehydrating our food. But how have I grown as a human? Isn’t that more important? Am I waiting until we are on the river again to grow? To evaluate what is important in my life?
Since this Corona virus quarantine thing began (a week ago, two?), I have noticed more people posting their activities as a family on Facebook. Because of this forced relaxation, families are spending more uninterrupted time together. No team practices or games, no dance lessons, no…, no…, no…. Maybe this will pull families together—show them how to enjoy each other—get to know their siblings, parents, children better. Perhaps with the newfound appreciation, they will fight for and guard their time together. A silver lining…
What will families learn? What will I learn? Will I take advantage of forced relaxation so I can learn?
I realize I usually report on my dehydration process, but this week I needed to talk from my heart. Thanks for listening. Next week, I’ll catch you up on my prep world, including my first attempt at making venison jerky.
(P.S. You may be wondering what the title has to do with the post. Absolutely nothing. Those who have read Paddling Edna understand. Those who haven’t, use this quarantine (forced relaxation), to buy your copy and be in the know.)
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