In recent weeks, our lives have become increasingly hectic. With this new busyness, I’ve experienced a sensation I haven’t felt in quite a while. It hit me last week while preparing dinner; a tightness in my chest emerged as I mentally listed all the tasks that were still pending. I was rushing to get dinner ready for my kids and husband, who needed to eat quickly before heading out for their softball game. It was a sensation that felt both familiar and oddly distant.
I haven’t missed this feeling, and I’ve tried to delay it for as long as I could. Can anyone else relate? Some people jumped right back into their routines, while others, like us, have taken a more cautious approach. We opted for online learning for our kids this year, considering that my parents and other family members are at high risk. Consequently, our participation in activities has been quite limited.
However, in recent weeks, as we’ve all received our vaccines and case numbers have gone down in our community, we’ve started to step out more. Our daughters are now signed up for softball, and we’ve even encouraged one of them to help with a performance at the middle school. This newfound activity brings back memories of the times we were constantly on the go—a time when I often felt exhausted and in desperate need of a break.
While it feels right for our family to start re-engaging with the world, I also sense a growing resistance within me. I want to move forward, but not too quickly. I crave experiences, but not an overwhelming number. I desire to participate, yet I also want to preserve our downtime.
I recognize this anxiety I felt recently; it’s like a reunion with an old friend. It’s familiar, yet I haven’t felt it in ages. The rush to get out the door, the fear of forgetting something, and the pressure to juggle tasks efficiently is something I know many have been navigating for a while, but it’s new to us.
This is for those of you who are gradually emerging from your shells, who have chosen to take extra time with social distancing. For those ready to start engaging with life again, but at a pace that feels comfortable. If you resonate with this, know that I’m right there with you.
I believe returning to school in the fall will be great for the kids, and I’m glad we’re starting to join in activities. However, I don’t want to say yes to everything that comes our way. Just because something is appealing doesn’t mean it’s right for our family. I want to avoid a calendar so packed that we have to schedule hangouts weeks in advance.
I’ve come to appreciate spontaneity and breathing room in our schedules. I enjoy open weekends, leisurely family dinners, and the ability to spontaneously ask, “Who wants to go for a walk?” because we have no other commitments.
Perhaps I’m asking for too much—wanting to engage while also seeking space—but I have to believe it’s achievable. There will be moments of stress and busy nights where we’ll have to split up to get the kids to their activities, but I also want to ensure we have time to relax, unwind, and enjoy spontaneous moments together.
The pendulum has swung from one extreme to the other, and I hope it can find a middle ground. I want us to engage socially while still making time for family. Let’s thoughtfully consider our yeses and noes, ensuring the lessons we’ve learned over the past year become part of our daily lives.
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Summary:
Our family is cautiously re-engaging with the world after a long period of social distancing and limited activities. While we’re excited to participate in more events, there’s also a desire for balance—wanting to enjoy new experiences without overwhelming our schedules. Finding that middle ground is vital, as we aim to maintain the lessons we learned during our time of restraint.