Social distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic has proven to be hard for some people. They find themselves extremely lonely and depressed cut off from family and friends. There have been reports of animal shelters being empty due to large increase in adoptions. That warmed my heart because those people will discover what I already know about how much companionship an animal can be. They are loyal and love you unconditionally. You are their entire world. They are so much company. I am never alone. We saw some dog parents social distancing while allowing their dogs to have fun in the dog park.
I find that my being an introvert and having endured a lot of time alone during my childhood and adulthood has prepared me for something like this. It is basically business as usual with me and Batman. We are limited on where our adventures can take us because of places closed. But we still get out and enjoy nature. We don’t travel far. We just go to local parks with walking trails to get outside and walk around for a little bit. No need to be with anyone or talk with anyone. Just walking, listening, breathing in the fresh air can do wonders for those who have been stuck inside. This can even be achieved in your own neighborhood. Get out and take a walk. Give space to others. Get lost in your own mind.
I find such peace being out and hearing nature. I grew up in Ohio in the suburbs. There was large acreage of woods behind my childhood home. I spent many hours in those woods alone but totally entertained. As an adult now, I cherish those memories and experiences because I am totally at peace with myself and my not fitting into society. I am above the need for constant human contact. In fact, most instances of human contact with people not in my inner circle actually aggravate me. The groups of people who are loud and obnoxious trying to get noticed. The people who have to talk on their smartphones the entire time on speaker. Take a break from people. You might find some peace. You actually might find out who actually are if you take some time for yourself.
People who have been failing to follow the CDC guidelines of social distancing are hurting themselves, their family and innocent others they may come into contact with. Some buy into the theory this is all a bullshit excuse to screw with their rights and civil liberties. Some don’t believe the cause for alarm is warranted and thus are doing their usual activities with crowds and others.
Today Batman and I saw examples of proper social distancing and the wrong kind as well. With being outside at a park, you are supposed to maintain at least 6 feet between others not within your immediate group. So when you are on a walking path, go single file on one side and the other person or persons do the same on the other side passing with space between. A few times today, I had to push Batman in his stroller well off the beaten path for groups failing to give space to us. Some people who are in the vulnerable group were wearing face masks which is perfectly acceptable because it protects them.
I saw two different parents with young children. One was a father with his two kids; they were walking and enjoying nature. I then later saw a young mother with her toddler walking down the middle of the parking area. The mother was several steps ahead and spaced away from the toddler. The mother was talking to someone on the phone whining and complaining about the safer at home orders. She wanted to go to the gym and wanted to have her boob job done. I just shook my head because here she was with the perfect opportunity to show her toddler some of the birds and animals in the park. That mother is the type that probably shouldn’t have had a child because she was more interested in her social life woes. That toddler could have wandered off and that woman had no clue.
Believe me; I get some weird looks as I am wheeling Batman in his stroller along the paths. I do not care what they think. I am out to get some fresh air, exercise and for Batman to enjoy the adventure. Those are the types of people I need nothing to do with. Batman and I also get to meet some very nice people on our outings who take an interest in him. Today was no exception. We had a chat with an older couple. They maintained their social distance as we talked. They heard about his story. They also told us about how they agree that some people aren’t following the rules. It was a gorgeous morning in Florida as the humidity was down and the temperatures weren’t too high.
To those on the frontlines: stay safe, stay vigilant, know that I am the one who always tells you to stay safe if you were my cashier, took care me at a drive thru, delivered food, interact with me at work. To the healthcare workers: I pray for you every day to be safe, have what you need, send you strength and prayers.
For those that aren’t following rules: “HAVE THE DAY YOU DESERVE”
pinkwarriorbatman 