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 Jarah, who lives in Reno, Nevada

Welcome Jarah. Tell us about where you live. Life here, of course, is different for everyone depending on circumstances. One thing I’ve noticed is that EVERYONE & their mother is outside! Since we have a wonderful nature scene here, many people are out hiking, snowshoeing, running, and having picnics! We are all told to stay home and isolate but thankfully in my area the cases are not out of control. 

How have you been affected by the pandemic personally?  I have not personally been affected by the virus, however, several friends have struggled with sick family members or changing work situations. It has been emotionally taxing to watch people I love go through such heartbreaking circumstances. As far as my work, I am safe in my position. I work from home now mainly on zoom meetings. But I can’t complain! I have enjoyed it. My home life has been enriched in ways I could have never dreamt of. This is the first time I’ve felt “home” in a long time. I’ve reconnected with the idea of being home with my family. I have fled from this for a long time out of pain in my heart. It has been wonderful to feel this way again. 

What has been the hardest thing for you to deal with? The hardest thing for me to deal with has been the fear that someone I love will get this virus. It seems like everyday I am being attacked by thoughts telling me I have not loved or appreciated my family enough and now I will pay the price if something happens to them. I only feel comfortable saying this because it is a thought being used against me out of shame and not out of love. I hope and pray no one else feels the weight of this type of fear! 

What have you appreciated during this period? I have appreciated having the time to connect more deeply with my family, friends, and Jesus. I have appreciated the time to reflect on who I am when no one is looking. I have finally begun to release myself from the approval of others and have begun to tap into who I truly am and want to be. I have appreciated getting in touch with my creative side. I have appreciated time in the sunshine and long walks usually spent on the phone with friends or binging podcast shows! 

What are you doing to keep yourself emotionally healthy during this time?   I am a pretty sensitive person so emotionally I have struggled quite a bit. Thankfully I have a wonderful mentor who talks me through my struggles and gives me things to reflect on through the week. I go on many runs to clear my head, stretch at night while I read the Bible, drink tea with my family, and write often! I also do many other things that I enjoy like sitting at the park, reading, and painting!!

Thanks for joining us and sharing your experience, Jarah.

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.