A Morning in a Pandemic

I’m in an emotional slump. I need to not be.

That’s my first thought on a Monday morning in August 2020 as my country endures an ongoing pandemic and the news makes me queasy. As I splash water on my face, all kinds of things are racing through my head, mostly around the theme of how I need to turn this mood around.

I think, what would you have done in this situation pre-pandemic?

Simple answer — go to the gym and weight train, then hit a café to write morning pages with coffee. It would set the tone for everything the rest of the day.

So let’s examine:

No gym. Favorite writing table at Starbucks has been locked down since March.

No pity party. Just facts.

Breathe.

Today is a new day. I do some simple stretches. I strap on ankle weights and do my best to mimic the movements of the machines I love at the gym. Leg extensions and all that jazz.

OK, this is good. Really good. I’m awake.

Time to attempt to make my waterfront walk a cardio workout. I say attempt because it’s only 8 o’clock but the air is already stuffy. It’s going to be a hot day.

Off I go in workout wear. I can see the haze on the Hudson River as I approach. It’s going to be one of those…