Benefits of a suspended commute? More time to write. Enter: kaufMOM during COVID-19.

Today we made the decision to temporarily leave the city and while I look forward to sharing the ways I will inevitably start passing the socially-distanced time, I’m first taking a pause from the casual humor I try to bring to kaufMOM. And as this crisis starts to take over our lives, I’m sharing the three ways I’m coping:

I’m recognizing my strengths and weaknessess in the midst of a global crisis.

As painfully annoying as I’m sure this has been for my husband, I’m exceptionally adept at maintaining positivity and perspective during a crisis. This is the strength that I will soon thank for getting me – and my family – through the worst of this global crisis. I’m not compartmentalizing but I’m providing much needed clarity and uplifting thoughts to those who will listen.

But to be fair, I’m also less anxious because I’m incredibly unprepared for this. I’ll admit that as my #1 weakness. The logistics, preparedness, and forward-thinking aren’t part of my M.O. But I’m bathing in Purell because my husband makes up for where I fall short (love him). And I’m thankful for people like him that make sure my “glass half full” outlook isn’t a full blinder to the reality of our needs.

I’m making my new first priority to make my son’s life as normal as possible.

Playing into my strength, I’m doing everything I can not to let my son pick up on our hysteria. Or the panic of those around him. I’m still smiling, laughing, reading, playing, and creating an environment around us that feels more like summer vacation than a mandatory isolation and voluntary quarantine.

And while he might pick up on the occasionally raised voice or never-ending snack time his mother has started to partake in, my new priority in this crisis is to not let it be a crisis for a toddler too.

I’m seeking – and occasionally limiting – the full effects of my support circle.

I’m leaning into my group texts and FB support groups but I’m pulling away from any negativity.

This is a private community of likeminded individuals. But I always remind myself that every post is an opinion. And urge everyone to remember that these aren’t forums for soliciting medical advice or establishing political rants. But participating in the occasional poll, sharing inside intel, and reading about mirrored experiences have somehow made this isolating crisis undoubtedly less isolating.