Today is my last day of sitting by the pool in Florida. Ask me two weeks ago, and I would have said I’m in no hurry to get home. Ask me last week, same thing.
Today?
Well, I’m not in a hurry, but I am looking forward to it.
No, not the weather, unless by some miracle it’s twenty-four degrees with non-stop sunshine. Nope. Still have the same aversion to winter and cold temperatures as when I left.
What’s prompting my change of heart?
COVID-19.
Ten simple COVID-19 strategies for the immunocompromised...
Am I fearful? No. Worried? Not more than your average immunocompromised person. Basically, I know what to do to protect my family and myself as best I can.
- Twenty-second hand washing routine
- Sneezing and coughing etiquette – tissues when available, elbows when not
- Social distancing
- Flu shot
- Routine home disinfection
- Responsible household preparation – no unnecessary hoarding of toilet paper and hand sanitizer
- Keeping abreast of the situation without increasing stress levels (super important for chronic pain sufferers)
- Monitoring of elderly and higher risk family members
- Staying home if feeling sick or unwell
- Self-isolating and seeking medical attention if flu-like symptoms present
This is not a drill...
Well then, if I’m not overly worried about it, why is COVID-19 the reason I’m looking forward to going home? Good question. Happy to answer it.
My former boss called while I was on vacation. She’s been tagged as the Public Health Agency of Canada, COVID-19 Event Manager. I told her she would be before I left on vacation two and a half weeks ago – so no surprise there.
The surprise came when she asked me to join her, taking on my former role as her advisor. It’s a high profile job for her, and she wants me on her team.
I COULD NOT BE HAPPIER.
So much of my identity is wrapped up in my job, and when my (read favorite) boss left to take on a bigger challenge, my role in the organization I stayed with shifted not so subtly. Personally, I need to feel like I’m contributing in a significant way at work, and that wasn’t happening.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ll fetch coffee, manage HR or finance issues, change calendar appointments. No problem. I’m more than willing to do what needs doing to allow others to focus on priority issues.
But I also need to feel like my ability to work at my level is recognized. I need to know the advice and guidance I give to senior management is heard and considered.
My former boss trusted my advice, and she took it – or not – as appropriate, but she never made me feel like I couldn’t or shouldn’t contribute – even with the fibro fog stifling my words on some days.
And that’s why I’m looking forward to coming home and going back to work, because I know, supporting her on the Canadian COVID-19 response will be a challenge and an opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way to an important public health issue for our country.
Contributing to the cause...
All this to say, I’m going to be busy, with a lot of my time dedicated to being the best advisor I can be. As a result, some things are going to take a back seat – writing and blogging possibly being one of those things. We’ll see how it goes.
There are other things, however, I’m determined to keep on keeping on. Healthy eating and exercise are at the top of my list – more important than ever with everything going on in the world today – not to mention the benefits of both on stress management.
Anyway, my computer is overheating and acting wonky because I’m sitting in the sun, so I gotta wrap this up. I just wanted to take this opportunity to touch base with all of you before I start my marathon drive home, and to express my hope that you’re all able to prioritize your mental and physical health in the coming weeks.
How about you? I would love to hear how you are coping with COVID-19 and what the impacts have been on you, work, family, etc. Or, if you have any tips or tricks to share on how to stay as healthy as possible in light of the situation, leave them in the comments below. I’m sure there are many in the tribe who are maybe a little anxious and could use the support.
Until the next blog – peace out pain sufferers.
Current pain level 3/10.
Not worried for myself but am happy to accommodate and “put up with “ cancelled events and rearranged ways of doing things (eg skyped meetings and online teaching) to reduce big public gatherings in hopes of slowing the speed of COVID-19 spreading. We all need to do our part so the health care system/workers don’t get completely overwhelmed and those most in need of urgent care (like the immuno-compromised) can get it.
My biggest question is why hoard toilet paper?? Get some hand sanitizer, tissue, a few canned goods perhaps if you don’t normally have these on hand …,but more toilet paper then the family could use in a month? That’s just weird. Personally I do my toilet paper hoarding when there’s a big sale (I have an aversion to spending more then necessary on flushables) – then I’m set for months 🤪
Good luck with new work project. Here’s hoping Canadians can be a good example of how to handle a pandemic (there’s surely more of them to come) with reason, calm, and kindness/generosity for family, friends and neighbours.
Perfectly said, Diane. We do all need to do our part to help reduce the spread of COVID, and awareness about the burdens on the health care system and people at risk is critical at this time.
Kindness and generosity – yes! Helping those who might need some extra support to stay healthy – yes!Hoarding toilet paper – no!
The government has shut down schools in Ontario for three weeks (including March Break). I work in a day care in a school so we are closed for three weeks as well. A little bit of a problem though, is when I don’t work, I don’t get paid.
No biggy in the grand scheme of things, where there is a will there is a way, and I have lots of “will”
We must do what we can to prevent this from spreading. We at work were busy cleaning and disinfecting the kids toys and other surfaces.
It’s a crazy time but if we all cooperate and think of others in our community would we really be hoarding stuff?
I only bought what I felt I would need for the next little while. If I can share with others I will. Hopefully others will do the same.
Congratulations on the new job. So very exciting.
Safe travels back home.
Governments have taken unprecedented steps to help prevent the spread of COVID, and you are so right, we should all be doing our part. You’re employer should be paying you wether you work or not, Lyse. If they don’t, you are able to make a claim for wage compensation from the government of Canada. Others will for sure, so don’t feel like you should have to go without.
I will for sure as soon as I get my ROE.
Well the toilet paper mystery has been answered ! Alot of people think of the ‘The flu’, I have found out this week, as a gastrointestinal bug and so hence the paper hoarding…
Congratulations on your new job Edith and safe travels home xoxo❤️
COVID-19 so not a toilet paper issue!
Many people will never even know they had or have it, which is why it spreads to the most vulnerable so quickly.
Work is fast and furious, but I’m happy to be contributing!
Take care in these crazy times, Alice.
no it is absolutely not a toilet paper issue more one of knowledge/poor education… I think they are finally getting the correct info…trying now to return all their hoarding purchases lol
It’s rather crazy.. empty store shelves because people are hoarding…on a different note, my sister Jacqueline passed away on her birthday, March 14th…she had been fighting stomach and ovarian cancer..😢😢
Congrats on your new job
Auntie Léonne
Emergencies bring out the worst in some people and the best in others! Personally, I’m going to focus on the happy/positive stories I’m seeing on social media. Keeps my stress level down. LOL!
So sorry to hear about Jacqueline, my condolences to the family.
Edith
Great article. Couldn’t be write far better!
King regards,
Thomassen Zacho