Viewpoint Two years later… and I still haven’t met up with them. In fact, most of the people in my network are just memories and my bubble of friends is now embarrassingly small. Two years later… and I live alone, working silly-long hours just sitting and staring at this screen. It’s the darkest time of the year and that never helps. I drive into Drayton for groceries in the hopes that a stranger makes eye contact and smiles. But we all stopped doing that a long time ago. Two years later… and the world is divided. And we’re all angry, no matter which side we’re on. Sorry people, but most days, my optimism and faith in humanity are gone. Nothing personal, I’m sure you feel it too. Goodness, I can’t just leave you in this pit of despair now, can I? And besides, I need 500 more words for this space. OK, so there are things that help me through. Writing out a daily gratitude list is scientifically proven to improve one’s mood, so here goes. Here are 10 things I like, even when I
Mel Luymes works in agriculture and conser‐ vation and blogs at headlands.ca
Ten things that help I apologize in advance. I usually try to write something thoughtprovoking or inspiring for this column, but I don’t think I have it in me right now. Instead of leaving this space blank (can I do that, Lisa?!)… could I just be honest with you? At the beginning of this pandemic, I felt like we were all coming together by staying home. To me, it was a welcome and unpredictable adventure and change from a hectic life on the road. Yeah, I was a bit anxious about an apocalypse, but it was only supposed to be a few weeks. I had plans to go for a drink with two friends in March 2020 and we pushed it back a bit.
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14 The Rural Voice
hate everything else. Cats. Don’t laugh, but I’m officially a cat lady. (Thanks Sabrina and Jordy!) Due to the bursting of the barn kitten bubble of early 2021, I have two orange tabby toms. They are independent little killers and adorable when they curl up and snooze together (which is a lot) so I take them for walks to make sure they get enough exercise. The fresh air also makes me feel better, even if it is cold and grey. Ok, so I’ll add… Fresh air. Candles. I have a friend who makes these gorgeous-smelling soy candles (lunarlove.ca) that make some light in the darkness. Music. I found some good vibes, so I crank the tunes and they can basically move miracles. Soup. Move over salad, it is time for warm and hearty root vegetables for the winter. I tried adding dill pickles to a vegetable cream soup and it was so good that I legit started crying. Maybe I’ll take a culinary adventure and cook my way around the world instead. I know I should put family or friends here on this list, and I’m grateful that I have them, but they are too complicated and “out there” to feel supportive right now. Again, nothing personal, but most humans are in their own stages of burnout, resentment or breakdown and cannot be relied upon, in my experience. Due to my general dislike of humans at the moment and the fact that we’re not allowed to go out and about, I’ve drastically reduced my intake of both alcohol and sugar…. And, who knew? That also helps. Writing. I had to drag myself to write this column but already I’m feeling better. Savasana. This is the last pose in a yoga class and basically, I just lay on my back and breathe. It’s meditation, which I love, but with a calmer mind and a body buzz. It also means that the online class is over, and I did yoga that day, even if I didn’t want to. I hate that yoga works, but it just does. Morning routine. I’ve learned that it’s important for me to start my days in basically the same order each time. Making my bed, a snobby coffee and meditating is a ritual that keeps me
