If You Were Stranded On Your Own Pandemic Island...

lichen and oak leaves

I'm guessing you're familiar with this game: if you knew you were going to be stranded on a desert island, what three things would you take with you? I had the thought today that we're all a bit better prepared to answer that question, stranded on our own pandemic islands as we are.

What are some of the things you've found to be essential in these past few months? And will you keep them with you when we're rescued by herd immunity?

Here are the three that immediately came to me:

Books ~ I've rediscovered reading, something I did all day, every day I could as a kid but only found time for sporadically as an adult. I've been reading book after wonderful book since the pandemic hit and am so glad for the conversations and ideas these works bring to me even when I can't easily be around other people.

Rocks ~ Because I find them to be so mysterious, rocks continue to provide me with endless fascination. They don't "tell" me anything so I have to learn by observation (of course I could read some geology and I have a bit, but I rather like wondering and discovering on my own). The more time I spend with rocks the more I wonder - how they travel, how they create space for their neighbors, how they host other life, how they're generous, how they express stillness. I'll never get to the bottom of what rocks might reveal which makes me quite content.

Walking ~ It's really a perfect pastime. All it takes is a little leg launch and a little arm swing and before you know it the scenery has changed and your body is warm and your mind is wandering in sync with your movement. It's lovely to walk alone in the wilds where you can enjoy the silence. It's also great to walk with a dog or two and a friend or two. Conversations while walking tend to travel their own routes. Dogs can point out things you would have otherwise missed. It's the best way I've found to elevate a mood or spend some socially distanced time with a friend.

So books, rocks and walking - my three pandemic island essentials and three things I I aspire to keep a part of my life no matter the circumstances.

I'd love to hear yours - what three things have made your life bearable/wonderful/hopeful/interesting these past several months? And do you think you'll keep them with you as time goes on? Please send your thoughts my way.

I hope you're staying healthy and all your loved ones are also well. Love and all my best to you.

~ Rosie