"And when you're in a Slump, you're not in for much fun. Un-slumping yourself is not easily done."
-Dr. Seuss
On this day last year, I was in California. I had just driven down from San Fransisco to Los Angeles and spent my first couple of days exploring the quintessential LA sites, such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame and took a bus tour of Beverly Hills, Mulholland drive and various "celebrity" homes. This particular morning, I woke early and made my way to Beverly Hills again, but this time with visions of living out my "Pretty Woman" fantasy (minus the escort/wealthy businessman part, of course). After taking some photos of the quiet streets and classic signage, I found an adorable little restaurant for breakfast. I had a mimosa type brunch cocktail aptly called "Pretty Woman" and sat there, munching on my enormous omelette, feeling bewildered that this was currently my life. I was sitting on Rodeo Drive, sipping a cocktail and anticipating a (very small) shopping spree on the three-block landmark I'd only ever seen on TV. Who was I? In five short days I'd be living out my bucket list Coachella experience in Indio, California, but not before galavanting around the infamous Venice Beach, Malibu, Santa Monica Pier and Palm Springs. Is this real life?
Today, I'm sitting at home, typing on my laptop and looking through old photos. I love taking tons of photos and sometimes have to remind myself to live in the moment. But today I'm grateful for my shutterbug qualities and reminisce on the memories; closing my eyes to get a glimpse of the sun on my face and the salt air around me. Today is exactly one month of my new reality-quarantine. Thanks to the COVID-19 virus there is literally a global pandemic occurring. Starting in China and expanding all over the world, entire countries enter lockdown. Thankfully in Canada, we haven't gotten to that stage, yet. Everyone stockpiled toilet paper, hand sanitizer and cleaning products and I'm nervous to leave my apartment even to walk my dog. The studios I teach Pilates at have been closed to curb the spread of the virus, as have most stores and restaurants deemed non-essential. Other cities, such as New York, are in crisis mode, flying doctors and nurses in as a desperate attempt to save lives and continue the fight. Front line workers are in a seemingly losing battle against illness, fatigue and dwindling medical supplies. Is this real life?
Life is a wild, unpredictable ride; it's what happens when you're busy making plans. There are heartache and despair, death and sorrow, joy and happiness. It's all intertwined and inevitable. Next year will bring more challenges and more successes. Oh, the Places You'll Go!
"So be sure when you step. Step with great care and great tact and remember that Life's a Great Balancing Act."
-Dr. Seuss