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The Paradox of Planning During Covid-19

 

Flower bounty from my yard!

One of the main thoughts my mind keeps returning to over the past several months of the Covid-19 pandemic has been the paradox we find ourselves in when it comes to planning.
I have heard the phrase "summer is cancelled" or "2020 has been cancelled" which I can definitely relate to; weddings, friend reunions, half marathons, group camping trips, conferences, and more have been cancelled or postponed or rescheduled. One of the biggest mental challenges is realizing the unknown amount of time in which the pandemic will run its course. Events rescheduled for next year may be a joyful reunion or they may have to be postponed again or otherwise cancelled.
I also find it interesting that at this time of uncertainty, there is a paradox in planning. We can't look ahead too far to plan for the future, but at the same time, some things that we want to do require extra preparation. Restaurants are taking reservations so that they can provide socially distanced tables, gyms require fitness class sign-ups in order to limit group sizes, and even grocery shopping requires you to remember your mask and sanitize your hands. These small daily types of planning are the new normal, rather than being able to plan for vacations and trips. I continue to take comfort in spending time outdoors and planning for weekend adventure. I find that smaller, closer-to-home trips give me something to look forward to even in this world of uncertainty. Spending time outdoors always centers me.  

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Location: Boise, ID, USA

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