Surreal Season
During the pandemic, I tend to begin messages this way— “I hope this email finds you well during this surreal season.” Whether it’s a work contact I’ve never met or someone I’ve known for years, I imagine saying so much more. Let’s face it, this one-sentence greeting barely scratches the surface of what may be happening off screen in their daily lives—of how the email really “finds” them. I want to reach through the ether and just give them a hug. I think about the words I wish to share:
If you have a family member who just lost a job or received news of a positive COVID test…
If you had a hard time getting out of bed. If you are watching the news and crying because things seem to keep getting worse…
If you are inspired by the life of John Lewis and hopeful for the ways our country is waking up...
If you are worried that we have so far to go and people are not paying attention to the racial justice that needs to happen…
If you are navigating heartbreak or swiping right and feeling even further away from the one...
If you are going on dates but finding COVID ghosting even more unsettling than the normal season…
If you are worried about how you’ll pay the rent, or are saving every penny from a job in jeopardy…
If you are feeling hopeful in the morning and worn out and teary by your first cup of coffee…
If you are in the no-good-decision-dance of back to “school” choices or simply trying to make it through every day…
I am on the other side of this email extending every grace I can your way. I am thinking about you. I’m aware that I’m not aware of what’s happening beyond your inbox. I’m taking a pause before I send emails and beaming goodness, care and maybe even a little prayer your way.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
As we meet pets, hear babies crying and gain Zoom perspectives not possible during “normal times”, I’m hopeful that the humanness we share right now will not dissipate with the vaccine.
I’ve received palpable kindness from strangers who have become friends in online classes. This is especially true via the offerings from the Center for Nonprofit Studies at ACC. Under the direction of Lacey Alana and the cozy virtual gathering she creates, many of us have shared laughter and tears. I remember one interaction where I described how I’m simultaneously excited for my book* that comes out this fall and, also, grieving. “This is a season I’ve dreamed about and pursued for years. I can’t wait. I also thought it would look extremely different—I imagined traveling book tours, in-person signings with celebrations surrounded by friends and family.” I grabbed tissues and connected with a stranger through a screen as she listened and reciprocated with struggles of her own as a single mom trying to somehow work, “school” and care for her children.
My mentor Bethany Hegedus talks about how the COVID-19 has lifted the veil between work and life; those unrealistic expectations to “do it all” are now in focus and under examination. Unavoidably, children will interrupt Zoom calls, dogs will choose the “perfect” moment to bark and meetings might take a pause to appreciate a curious cat. People smile and maybe meet the little ones that want a snack. No one that I know scoffs. If anything, these real-life reminders tug and offer “humanity hugs” as we all tightrope pandemic stressors.
Am I alone in being hopeful this season’s necessary grace and connection sticks? What ways do you hope we will remain aware, holding space for the struggle, when life returns to “normal”? How can I hold that space for you right now?
Remember,
Your Brave Tutu (You’re brave, too-too!)
-Take courage in delight. Discover power in small moments.
*My first book, Alexandra and the Awful, Awkward, No Fun, Truly Bad Dates: Picture Book Parody for Adults. comes out Oct. 13. Please visit www.rebekahmanley.com to pre-order and sign up for my mailing list.