We are not meant to live in isolation. What makes us healthy and whole are the connections we form with one another.  With our families. Our friends. Our colleagues and our community…  The thing we need the most to feel healthy has become harder to get.

After more than 30 years in the field of social work, I know one thing to be true. We do not need to be victims to our situation. We have choices to make, each and every day about how we want to live our lives. How we choose to show up for ourselves and each other.

One of the hardest things about this time for me has been the loss of travel, the opportunity to explore. If you know me, you know I love to travel. Give me a passport and a seat on a plane or in a car and I’m on my way, ready for what comes next. I thought it might be fun to travel, however virtually, around the US and yes, even abroad, to visit with people and hear how they’re doing during this difficult time. Over the next few weeks I’d like to bring you a glimpse of what life is like for our friends and neighbors in other places.

Today we meet Genevieve who lives in Antwerp, Belgium.

Welcome, Jenny: Tell us about where you live: Antwerp is a big city in a small country, a city with 174 different nationalities. Sometimes that causes disagreements, of course, but it is such a multicultural city! Fun and colorful if you open yourself up to it! On the other hand, there is a lot of racism that is ruining the city and in fact the whole world, just like the coronavirus.

What are things like in your neck of the woods? Give us a picture of what life is like where you are: The city and all of Belgium is in lock down. We are only allowed to make essential necessities with a limited distance. Just before the lockdown people went crazy and started hoarding. Now most people keep to the rules, only supermarkets for food and pet food were allowed to stay open!

Do you have friends or family who have been infected by the virus? I have been infected, I am still in quarantine in our bedroom. Only my husband can enter the room to provide me with food and drink. My husband disinfects everything. He has to sleep in the nursery. The virus was very scary. I couldn’t breathe but I’m lucky, I didn’t need to go to the hospital. It was like someone cut your breathing. I had a high temperature and pain all over my body for the first four days. Then there was some progress. I don’t know where I got it. I was extremely careful. Everyone can get it, that’s for sure.

What has been the hardest thing for you to deal with? I’m not allowed to see my children or grandchildren. Being in quarantine, being very ill. I didn't put the news on to stay positive myself!

What have you appreciated during this period? I wish I was not sick and could have committed to helping those who need it. I really appreciate the help of my children. They went shopping and went to the pharmacy. And my husband who assisted me remotely!

What are you doing to keep yourself emotionally healthy during this time? Stay calm, stay positive and do not panic. I enjoy video chats with my children and the photos they regularly send me, including the videos and photos of my horse! And a lot of dietary supplements to boost my immunity. I have to say that it has helped! I try to stay positive. Negativity is a waste of energy!

What recommendations do you have for others? It is important not only to listen to the precautions that are imposed but to do it. Wear a mask. Wash your hands several times. Save lives and your own life. Keep hoping and dreaming for a bright future that will look different than before the coronavirus.

Thanks for joining us and sharing your experience, Jenny.

Let’s broaden the conversation, shall we? Would you like to be featured in our guest interview posts? We want to hear from you! Email me at suzanne@suzannemaggio.com.