Now’s the time to cultivate some joy in isolation

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 29/04/2020 (2355 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: This is in regard to silver linings in the COVID-19 at home experience. With everyone in isolation, a fun thing for kids is “re-growing veggies” like cabbage, lettuce, celery and onions. Also, getting a sourdough starter going is a wonderful, fun option, and it can get kids more interested in learning about the foods they eat and getting creative in the kitchen (less cooking for mom and dad too).

I love the creativity that is emerging. People are finding out how much imagination they really do have.

People ask for things like time with the family to slow down time and see the kids grow, less fighting in the world, clean water and clear air. It may not have presented itself in the way they expected, but they are getting what they asked for.

People have the time to reflect on their lives, find new passions/interests, get away from stressful work conditions and learn some new distractions. Find out what really gives you joy, and life will look a lot brighter.

— H.C., Winnipeg

Dear H.C.: Plant experts say we can improve our general feeling of well-being by just thinking about plants and gardens — even the planning of a little patch. As for “regrowing plants,” I read Daniel Huang’s blog “10 Vegetables You Can Grow From Scraps” on the Spud.ca website and learned veggies like green onions can start in a glass of water, and some veggies can go straight to a pot of soil. Some grow very quickly, and young people need to see results!

This would be great for kids who are restless and bored of toys, video games and homeschooling, and even for “adult kids” who are running out of things to do. When warm weather comes, this activity translates to the outdoors. You might be lucky and get the whole family interested in gardening together. 

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: These are interesting letters you publish from my fellow citizens! Thank you for keeping me abreast of the goings-on, and for your responses. I’m being made aware of the quirks of society, and don’t feel alone in that regard.

— Just Human, Manitoba

Dear Just Human: Thanks for the appreciation. As human beings, we are very much alike, but people have “quirks” and “problems” of different sizes and importance.

They often feel they have no one close they can talk to. I’m here to provide help, and/or refer people to many experts and places I know, where they can find what they need. Instead of referring to different personality aspects as your “quirks,“ think of them as the things that make you “unique.”

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: I spotted an old boyfriend the other day, and thanks to social distancing I felt no guilt when I snuck down an aisle and got far away from him. He was in the store with the very woman he swore he was not cheating with when I broke up with him. I knew better, and I was right!

Now I just want to phone him and say, “Aha, you liar! I caught you with the very woman you swore you were not seeing.” I suspected he was attracted to her, from his work — and he was trying to give me a diamond ring at the same time! I wasn’t sure I wanted to marry him.

So why would he offer me a ring if he had another woman?

— So Mad! West End

Dear Mad: Some guys with big egos chase women who don’t seem to care as much, and try to lasso them with an engagement ring. If the ring is not accepted, they feel crushed at having to put it back in their pocket. They often get another woman on the side, who seems to adore them, as an ego boost. 

Or this suitor of yours may have had a few women all along since he’s the cheating kind. At any rate, you don’t need to get even with him! Remember, you didn’t want him that much anyway, and the woman with him will no doubt suffer from his cheating ways at some point down the line.

Please send your questions and comments to lovecoach@hotmail.com or Miss Lonelyhearts c/o the Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3B6.

Miss Lonelyhearts
Advice Columnist

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