Small joys can keep us strong

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/06/2021 (724 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

We are at war with a battle-scarred bug that keeps re-inventing itself. I’m worn out trying to isolate. I hunger for some social action; meeting friends, dinners out, going to theatres, concerts or sports events.

Although Manitoba is still closed tight, others have achieved minor successes and are opening up to allow normal life and commerce.

Many people in our province are unsure. Should they vaccinate? Is it really safe? Some believe this pandemic is a hoax and rail against masks and vaccines. How they came to this conclusion is mind-boggling. Yet Canada is a place where everyone can voice their opinion. The problem is their behaviour affects the safety of others.

Self-preservation urges us to find a path that will ensure that we come out of these  uncertain times with sound body and mind. Good mental health is difficult to maintain over such a long-term struggle. This war seems never-ending.

I received my first shot in March and the second is due soon. I’m relieved, but still cautious.

Insecurity hovers like a spectre in my thoughts. There are too many illicit gatherings that are putting us at risk.

In addition, the youngsters in our community are becoming restless. They’re throwing caution out their car windows. Because new variants are targeting people under 30, we must constantly remind them to keep their masks firmly in place.

Winnipeg Free Press columnist Jen Zoratti recently offered some ideas on how to stay mentally strong. She urges us to celebrate the little joys. Play with your dogs, rekindle your love of watercolour painting or enjoy the competition of board and electronic games. If that doesn’t interest you, why not reach for that hot novel you didn’t have time to read or, better still, make an apple strudel or pie?

Anything that occupies your mind, even for a few hours is beneficial — especially if it keeps you from dwelling on the fact there’s a lack of health-care workers and space in intensive care units. The number of patients being sent out of the city for care are climbing.

To quote Zoratti: “This column is about the importance of finding small, low-stakes things to focus on that are not about the pandemic.”

I’m on my computer a lot and when I encounter videos involving animals, especially cats, I’m fascinated. These are my go-to places for entertainment and distraction. With their poker faces and enigmatic smiles, cats are a challenge. However, their body language tells all. When you talk to a cat owner they’re full of stories about the weird and wonderful activities of their pets.

They’re certain that each has its own unique personality and talent and I agree.

These days, people and pet watching are my favourite things to do. COVID-19 has curtailed my snooping or as I call it, curiosity. Personally, I’m bored with baking, my eyes are tired of reading and my sources of stimulation are quickly drying up.

So dear reader, if you’ve found any rainbows in the sky, how about sharing your treasure trove with us? Email me at fredabglow@gmail.com  

Thank you, friendly Manitoba.

Freda Glow is a community correspondent for the North End.