Being single and living alone during COVID can be a recipe for disaster some days. But on the best days, I see all these bright spots: Being able to read over lunch break (I WFH), making more intentional time with friends, and trying things I’ve been putting off (meditation, learning about the stock market, etc. etc. etc. boring stuff that I always pushed to the bottom of my list). There is so much to be grateful for.
I want to talk about a line from the song “Dynamite” by Sigrid that’s really stuck with me this year: “I miss you, but I’ve got things to do.” These lyrics have always held a soft spot for me. They’re simple but they masterfully capture the essence of struggling but still finding things to stay busy with. These lyrics have helped me stay focused during breakups and other hard times, and I think they can apply to the broader state of the world, too.
We miss going to concerts and smiling at strangers—but we press on with our daily lives because we have things to do… because we must have things to do.
So for me, missing people and places has turned into a more productive state of mind than a depressing one. The mantra is: I miss you, but I have books to write. I have things in my world that deserve attention and bring joy during the midst of it all.
If you’re feeling like you’re missing the good old days or you’re missing being out in the world, remind yourself: You miss it, but you still have things to do. Hobbies to try. Old friends to FaceTime.
Lastly, I’d be remiss to not address the fact that I’ve been MIA. I’ve been able to work from home at a new, wonderful job, I’ve spent time connecting with family and friends, and I’ve kept my sanity in check by working on my next novel. However, many communities and people are hurting, and it can be hard to know what to say.
If I put content out here, I want to be sure it’s worth your time. I want to be sure it’s uplifting and encouraging.
Most of all though, I want to reach through this computer screen and give you a warm hug because I miss human contact. But we have things to look forward to, and that will hold me for now.
Stay healthy and mentally well.
Love,
Lindsey
