I hope that this finds you and your family happy and healthy. I think it is safe to say that 2020 is not shaping up to be the year we all thought it would be. I know for many we kicked off what we thought would be the roaring 20’s 2.0 and the roar quickly turned into a whisper.
Personally, I saw a trip to New York cancelled, discovered that working from home is not the fun adventure I thought it would be, and had the challenges of explaining physical distancing measures put in place to flatten the curve of COVID-19 to three boys who couldn’t quite understand why birthday parties were cancelled and that they couldn’t just go to the pool.
It’s easy to sit here and be sad. Trust, me I had those moments too and that’s okay. It is okay to not be okay. As I’m writing this blog, I sit here during a bit of a staycation in a local hotel and reflect on some of the positives I have experienced as a result of physical distancing.
Unplugged and outside
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A few months ago, I made the decision to change how I use social media. I don’t think I could ever quit cold turkey, but I’m definitely trying to post less and not dive down the rabbit hole that can be social media. This is a lot easier when you get outside, soak up the sun and breathe in that fresh air. We are so fortunate to live within driving distance to so many lakes, trails, and back country areas. I would recommend checking out Hell Yeah PG on Instagram to see some of the best. The Bennett family used this opportunity to go camping for the first time. Despite the sun not coming out and nothing but rain, it was great to explore Purden Lake and have a bit of time outside of cell range. Purden Lake is a great family friendly campsite offered by BC Parks and it is one of many within a short drive of downtown Prince George.
Getting out of our neighbourhood
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We live in a quiet neighborhood located in the West Bowl area. With three boys who love to be outside and play, we had to find new parks and places to go. The REMAX All Wheels Adventure Park in Blackburn is only a 13-minute drive from our house. There are neighbourhoods with beautiful new playgrounds built by the City of Prince George. Get out and explore some new areas of Prince George. You will be pleasantly surprised at what you find.
Connecting with caffeine
I have found throughout the pandemic that I have been making more of an effort to communicate more. Sending more texts just because to check in on friends and family. Now that coffee shops and restaurants are open, I find that I am grabbing a coffee and treat with a friend and visiting more often than I did before. Visiting is different now. Phones are away and we are chatting about life and the world around us. There are some great local places to grab a coffee. Some of my favorites are Ritual, Zoe’s, and the new café in the Lheidli T’enneh House of Ancestors.
We are not out of the woods yet. We are all adjusting to this ever changing reality. I recognize that life is stressful and this pandemic is not making life any easier. Try to take a few minutes to look for the positives. Please stay safe!
