Planning is my forte. It’s my secret weapon. In my family, I’m the one who meticulously organizes everything—from holiday gifts to family vacations—long before anyone else even thinks about it. I schedule our social gatherings, appointments, and even our downtime. I collaborate with planning experts, for goodness’ sake!
But now, I find myself at a standstill.
As COVID-19 sweeps across the globe at an alarming rate, we are all urged to stay home and combat this crisis together. Logically, I understand this necessity, but I won’t sugarcoat it—some days, my mind struggles to cope. Planning is my anchor, and this pandemic has stripped me of that comfort.
I can’t predict when I’ll be able to plan again, or how future planning will unfold. The chaos of this pandemic has disrupted my carefully crafted plans for the upcoming months and has impacted millions of others too. From graduations and weddings to sporting events and concerts, everything is on hold indefinitely.
It’s no wonder we’re feeling anxious, unsettled, and uncomfortable. I worry about missing out on milestones and how these lost moments will affect me and society as a whole. With no historical precedent to guide us, we’re navigating uncharted waters.
I fully recognize that many face dire consequences—financial strain, the stress of working frontline jobs amid a deadly virus, and the heartbreaking reality of loss in hospitals. I’m not trying to compare suffering; I simply believe we shouldn’t underestimate the disappointment and pain that arise from these missed opportunities.
For a high school senior, missing graduation after four years of hard work is gut-wrenching. A teen who was set to represent their state at a soccer tournament in Mexico feels similarly devastated. Losing a loved one and being unable to grieve surrounded by family must be incredibly painful too.
These thoughts weigh heavily on me. I’m aware that the moments we’re missing carry significant consequences, and a high school semester cannot be rescheduled—it’s just canceled. I thrive on human connection, and this absence of social interaction is challenging for me.
To cope, I’m turning to exercise and journaling, paying close attention to my emotions (and believe me, I have plenty!). I experience anxiety, sadness, anger, and fear, but occasionally, nestled among those heavy feelings, I find fleeting moments of happiness and contentment.
I’m attempting to view our current “losses” as an opportunity for my family. This is likely the only time we’ll spend weeks together without outside interruptions. With two teenage boys, each on the cusp of independence, I see this as a chance to create lasting memories and strengthen our family bond.
There’s a saying that “the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry,” which rings true now more than ever. It’s evident there are important lessons for a planner like me to embrace. I’m committed to giving myself grace and diving deep into these emotions.
If you’re interested in exploring more about navigating these times, check out this insightful piece on home insemination here or discover useful information on fertility and planning here. For those who are starting their journey into pregnancy, this resource is excellent for understanding what to expect.
In summary, while my plans have been upended, I’m finding ways to embrace the present. By focusing on family and personal growth, I’m learning to navigate this uncertain landscape.
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