Phase II is here, and things are starting to open up again.
For some, that’s a breath of much-needed fresh air, and for others, it may be anxiety-inducing, as although the curve has been flattened, there are still new cases of COVID-19 being discovered across the province on a daily basis.
Whether you remain concerned or just want life to get back to normal, either reaction is fine and perfectly reasonable — let’s just remember to stay kind and respectful of each other’s varying comfort levels.
If you’re an introvert, you may feel like the ultimate dream is coming to an end, in a slow, drawn-out death.
For the ultimate introvert, when COVID-19 hit, you were unfazed, knowing you trained for this moment your whole life. Staying inside? Check. Avoiding people? No problem. Living most of your life online? Already there.
Most introverts aren’t that extreme, however, and although mistaken for being shy or anti-social, being an introvert just means you can find socializing emotionally draining and need alone time to recharge.
For the average introvert, the lock down and social distancing restrictions may not have felt so terrible.
Soon, however, you’ll no longer have an easy-out for passing on the socially expected, yet incredibly uncomfortable goodbye hug, or the fully legitimate, guilt-free excuse for cancelling plans.
You’ve been living in your sweat pants, reading your favourite book, or hanging out with your favourite person: your dog (or to be honest, if you’re a true introvert, you may prefer the more aloof cat).
Ah, the dream. And it’s slipping away.
Many routines are shifting back to normal, more shops are open, there’s more traffic on the streets, and the allowed numbers for gatherings have gone up.
All joking aside though, it’s great things are starting to get back to normal, and even introverts probably agree.
There’s much to be grateful for, including what we are able to do for Canada Day because of the easing of restrictions. A pancake breakfast wouldn’t have been possible a month ago, and if we have to stay apart to watch the fireworks, at least the town and the Stampede Association are using higher propulsion fireworks this year to try to make sure they can be seen from all over town.
And hey, even introverts, after three months shutdowns, are glad to be out and about I’m sure.
Clothes shopping, getting a haircut, having someone from outside your household into your home, all seem like bright, shiny and precious experiences.
It’s a strange world we’re living in, indeed. The once-mundane errands or tasks are now luxuries as we experience them with a new appreciation and zest, even if we go about them a bit differently now.
I got my hair done as soon as I was able, I’m not going to lie. I needed a cut and wanted a colour and waited three weeks to get into the stylist’s chair and it was well worth it.
It was the first time I had donned a face mask, but I didn’t mind. It was just a bit odd-feeling at first until I figured out how to fit the nose piece and slide the folds down properly over my chin.
And I was glad for the mask later, as it hid the goofy grin I’m sure I had on my face as I received a glorious-feeling scalp massage that drained the tension and the stress away.
I was a bit tired later when I got home and I think it was due to that, heavenly, relaxing scalp massage.
However you celebrate today, I hope you can find something fun and safe to do, and try to stay positive.
Happy Canada Day everyone.