It’s been an interesting experience so far, this whole pandemic and being at work thru it all. I was thinking about it the other day on my way home to quarantine for my days off, on how it all started to where I am now.
It’s been a process for me trying to find my ground thru all of it. From not caring or being serious enough in the beginning, to moments of being freaked out and not wanting people in my space, or me in theirs. Witnessing people in deep fears and panic, totally in survival mode, and trying not to get caught up in all of the hysteria. Then add on the frustrations of trying to find fresh food, washrooms, safe truck parking, getting a good sleep, and having to deal with the constant ‘fighting’ and extra stresses. I found myself being extra vigilant on watching what I’m doing and what others around me are doing, like with social distancing. All while being under constant pressure in regards to work, and on staying healthy and clean. Finally I got into the flow of things tho, with a little hiccup here and there, but still, fairly calm and moving along with everything.
Honestly, it’s been a roller coaster ride….up, down, sideways. And it was tiring. My first tour out starting mid March (I had just come back from vacation to the ‘shit show’) was ok…surreal, a bit shocking, and apocalyptic feeling, and surprised at the tons of people over-reacting (like fighting over toilet paper?!!). I was suppose to be out for 8-9 days but due to the chaos, it turned out to be 12 days. It was too long, I had no more trucker mojo left and had to push myself on the last 2 days just to make it back home. The second tour out was hellish. When I finally made it home for my days off after that, I cried in my salad lol. The third tour was pretty good, I think mostly due to having previously had some very rejuvenating days off.
What I have learnt so far from the pandemic experience is that humans really are assholes. But, when it comes down to it, there are many humans that are good people and are helping each other thru whatever it is they are experiencing. Change is inevitable. Don’t fight it cuz that’s a waste of time and energy, just go with the flow. I need to focus on me, my job, and where I’m going. I can’t spread myself thin trying to ‘save’ others cuz that puts me and everyone around me at risk. Just cuz shit has hit the fan, it doesn’t mean to drop whatever it is you were doing before all this started (example: continue to recycle and reuse, and taking care of the planet and animals; every day make your bed when you get up; brush your teeth and your hair every morning and teeth at night; focus on the positive; be kind; etc). Stick to your routines no matter how mundane they may seem. Now more than ever is the time to be gentle with myself and with others, we are all doing the best we can given the situation so let’s work together. Laugh (especially at yourself), and laugh until you are crying cuz holy shit does that ever clear out a lot of shadows and darkness, and it allows the Love and connections to shine thru. We all have our own roles in this life, no one is more “essential” than another, we all have our parts to play. And last but definitely not least, the government and media and their ‘masters’ are fucking verbal diarrhea spreading jerks. This has really been highlighted to me thru this pandemic. Don’t believe the Hype.
So extehely well said jen Love Dad
Thanks Dad 💜