The desire to literally break free from what feels like a parallel version of our previous lives is one in which we are all desperate for some resemblance of ‘normalcy’. So of course over summer that includes holidays! Which begs the question should I stay or should I go?
South of France?
In all honesty, when I was invited to a friends house in South of France for a long weekend, my immediate reaction was “Yeeeesssss, get me out of here” but as time progressed, my second thought was, “Is this safe?” Feeling like I now have to take on a new role as risk assessor of my life, the thought of even how to go about assessing risk for a flight, hotel, restaurant, private house, other people not wearing masks or being careful.
I mean the mind is overwhelmed thinking about converting what was once a normal occurrence into a percentage of risk. Again, so much of this whole situation is unknown, news outlets seem to be on the fence, with conflicting articles. No wonder we all feel even more overwhelmed. Mentally, I feel a trip would help me feel ‘normal’ again, even though, yes the world is still far from normal and won’t be for any time soon. So would escaping and seeing everyone in masks feel weird? Will it be way more stressful?
Clearly, we are all going to have to be more careful in the future and I can’t see social distancing disappearing anytime soon. There is no quick and easy fix, so perhaps it is about learning to adapt to the ‘new normal’, rather than being fearful of it. The risk will always be there and will change daily depending on the rates of infection and deaths. Risk and the unknown is something we clearly have to get used to, we just have to decide how best to navigate this path. Like a breakup that lingers rather than just being over, we are in the grey area when it comes to COVID-19.
The Considered Approach
Perhaps now this will lead people to a more considered approach to life- asking “what do I really want to do?” If we want to limit our exposure and risk, surely people will become more selective, instead of the blanket “yes” that we were used to and that was expected of us. Now we can all say no to things with a bit more ease, people are more understanding. This is a good reset button for deciding what kind of life we all want. All I know is that I want to form that line for myself that stays safe, and also enjoy the life I have, because frankly who knows what the future holds. Walking the line between enjoyment and recklessness will, of course, be tricky to navigate, but it is something that each of us will have to do independently. I want to remain cautiously optimistic that we might start enjoying life, travelling the world, enjoying time spent with friends and loved ones and not take it all for granted. Life, freedom, both things we are reminded of are precious and should be treasured.
Should I go?
We are all adults making the best decisions that we can for ourselves and having transparency with others about our choices so that they can make theirs. France is calling my name, and that is for sure, but perhaps I will not go as immediately as I had first thought and wait and see how flights operate, how the numbers look, and to be honest when the flight prices reduce – July is crazy expensive!
Personally, if you are going to travel, I would advise you to pre-book, most airlines are letting you change tickets anyway, get that good deal and take a chance that we can all be sipping pale Provence rosé on the beach, pool, or fabulous terrace sometime soon!
In the meantime: Why not give yourself over these alfresco dining options… Whatever Coronavirus does it still lets you daydream! One day this will all be a memory, I just hope we all have the courage to learn the lessons from this time and move forward with consideration and thought about life and the meaning of it.
