Do you go down the rabbit hole?
These are the words you don’t want to hear from the person standing behind you in line at the checkout counter, “I think I need to get tested for Covid.” And after stating this comment to their friend, this individual proceeded to cough up a kitten. Did I mention we were all packed in like sardines in a tin can?
At this point my eyes began to spin like two pinwheels. Three quarters of our purchases had been scanned and bagged with one quarter remaining to go. My husband had just removed his credit card from his wallet. Do I run? Do I scream? Do I yell, “Fire?”
Despite my best efforts, panic had taken hold of me, and I’m not exactly the calmest person to be around when it involves contagious diseases. Whereas my husband, he remains calm and carries on.
Without a doubt, these past four years have been most difficult for the world at large. My heart goes out to each and every individual whose life was affected by Covid. At this point in time, facial masks were no longer required or a common sight.
When the last bag was packed, my husband and I quickly sped off to the safety of our SUV. Once inside, I slathered sanitizer all over my hands. I was dripping with sanitizer. Within moments, I began to calm the fear taking root in my mind. I made a conscious effort to focus on anything and everything that made me feel happy; the beautiful ride home, the lovely weather, and the wonderful company of my loving husband. These thoughts provided me with much comfort.
Just like clouds passing overhead, every now and then I would hear the word Covid replay in my mind. And each time, I would address my fear by diverting my attention to something beautiful and uplifting. It took a concerted effort on my part to remain in a peaceful state. However, I had the added bonus of sitting right next to my rock solid husband, a person who truly lives in the Now, where the past remains in the rearview mirror. His calm energy fortified my mind and helped to neutralize the fear.
By the time we arrived home, I had for the most part let go of the situation at the checkout counter, where it was no longer taking up space in my mind. This was a turning point for me and one I will reflect back upon for future use. I was proud of the fact that I kept calm and carried on.