Is This Real Life?—One Moore Thing

This is the question that comes up often when I’m texting or on a Facetime call with my girlfriends.

Typically, it comes after a governor’s press conference about schools or when we are checking in to see how everyone’s groceries or toilet paper stocks are. We share memes and we have to make one another laugh… the reminder that humor is the backbone of what will carry us through this. But in the moments of stillness there is always a moment of questioning in this new normal, is this real life? 

I don’t have the right words. And lord knows there are already so many voices and opinions on this global pandemic. 

But this is what I do know: 

I know that I have at least one moment every day where I need to remind myself to breathe. And that this will pass.

I know for every bit of heartbreaking news that you hear, there is at least one story of hope and compassion. 

I know that I will never again take for granted to hug someone that I adore. Or what it feels like to go into a coffee shop. Or to meet girlfriends at their kitchen islands. Or to see fully stocked shelves and feel the air be light and joyful again. The panic and anxiety currently edged between every aisle will fade into the background. 

I know that there is so much good and beautiful out there. If we look for it, we will absolutely find it. If you just look for the fear and dread, I can promise you that will be what you will find. 

I know that my children will catch up. I do not want to use this time to argue with them about fractions. I will keep their minds engaged but I will also remind them that this is a time to create and read and daydream and play. An opportunity to just have open ended time that we never really get a chance to have. So much of childhood is a whirlwind and it is rare and glorious it is to just hit pause. 

I know that your mindset is one of the most powerful weapons you hold. 

I know that we have never really had this type of time before and hopefully we never will again. But if we do it right, we might actually miss this space of just being human in the stillness. 

I know that when we are stripped to down to all we really need that that is enough. This time, this space, this laughter. That is enough.

One of my favorite Walt Whitman quotes seems even more timely, “We were together. I forget the rest.” 

This real life, this new normal is right here right now.

Let’s try to make the best of the hard spaces.

Let’s make ourselves better humans.

Let’s see the good.

Let’s be the good. 

Until we meet again, may your rations and coffee be strong and your soul even stronger.

 

Katie has a book out that is a collection of quotes and mic drops to embrace your inner warrior. “Girl Power” is available on Amazon and is the perfect gift for all the warriors in your world. You can find out more details and book signing info on her instagram @katieyackleymoore. Endless thanks for reading. Xo