Social distancing? That means I don’t need to make an excuse not to see other people?
Whoa – what reality am I living in?
This isolation, whether enforced and meaning I shouldn’t go outside or encouraged social distancing, is great for someone like me. I can stay at home – heck, wear my PJs all day if I really want to! What are my kids going to say about it? Nothing – because they can wear PJs all day if they want to as well! We don’t need to go outside and see others! We get to have snow days without the snow!
Wow – what a great opportunity to be at home, all day with my family. I’m excited about this chance to take it easy a little bit!
But only a few days into this social distancing, I’m also realizing a lot of things…
This is a time for reflection. This is a time to appreciate the little things – shaking hands with new people I meet; accidentally bumping into a stranger and not worrying about anything other than a little embarrassment; getting to make impromptu playdates for my kids and our friends.
Is social distancing really what I think I need?
I have always identified as an introverted extrovert. Given the opportunity to go out or stay at home, I’m probably going to stay at home. However, I know it’s important for my well-being to be social – whether that’s going out and seeing a friend one-on-one or getting together for a playdate. I’m usually not comfortable in larger crowds, but I recognize that spending 24/7 with my kids is definitely not what I socially need to stay satisfied either.
So during this unprecedented time of social distancing or whatever term feels best, what are we moms supposed to do?
We still need to fill our cup – and get creative about it.
Had you asked me before all of this if I would have ever even thought about letting my kids on social media? No way. They’re too young for that I would’ve responded. However, while closely monitoring my one daughter using a social media app to connect with a classmate, I saw how happy it made her, and made me, too, as I chatted with her mom off camera.
This all is the same for my mental well being. I’ve tried to avoid too much social media connection with “friends” in the past because I never wanted to get too tied up in everything social media can provide. However, as I see more and more connections share information about their daily lives or how they’re coping with being with their kids more, I’m trying to be better about liking/sharing/the equivalent to let them know I see what they’re sharing and appreciate it.
And the same goes with this post – I would have never guessed before that I would want to share in specific detail how I’m feeling about social distancing. But as someone who identifies as an introverted extrovert, I hope others can find hope knowing, too, that they’re not alone.
It’s been shared throughout many organizations but I feel it truly holds meaning – we will get through this together. There are ways to make sure you can connect – without infecting others – throughout this time, and in the end, we will all be stronger people and mothers.
