My last haircut was towards the beginning of January. Normally, I would have said that my next cut would be at the end of March / beginning of April. Well, that plan did not work out. I made the decision at that time to wait until we could go back out to the places where we used to go. Like everyone else, I figured that in a few weeks, and just like a big storm, the dark clouds of the pandemic would blow away. We all know how that went. During this time, my family said that they would happily cut my hair for me. I could have used the beard clipper (which on video calls looks like many chose that option). A month ago, friend of mine suggested I use his barber…a razor. I made the decision to tough it out and visually show that I am following the guidance provided. For me, that was as important a point to make as it was to look well groomed. Since the pandemic started, I have been out to shop and a couple of social distance visits, but for the most part, I had started to become comfortable staying close to home and minimizing my trips into the larger world. My comfort zone did shrink.
And then the guidance changed. While I do like having long hair (remember the pony tail I use to have?), I was done with the unruly, caveman look. But truth be told, after so much time at home, like many other people, I have to admit I was nervous to venture forth. As I said, my comfort zone in the past four months had become more like a small bubble. A week after the governor gave the OK – I decided to call for an appointment, hoping that it would be a few weeks before they could take me, giving me time to prepare for enlarging my comfort zone. “How does 6:30 work for you,” the voice kindly asked. I stammered, “I c-c-cannot m-m-m-make it tonight.” “I am talking about Friday,” she responded. I took the appointment and now had to venture out to a place I had not been to before the pandemic even began (the place I used moved locations).
Friday arrived, and with a show of confidence I left my house and my comfort zone. I grabbed a disposable mask on the way out, having to ditch the bandana that I usually wear. I was uncomfortable even in my car, when I realized that I had not even turned the car on yet. I drove to the place and pulled up. I tentatively walked up to the door, not sure if I was to open it, or needed to be escorted in. I cannot believe that an action that was normal and natural felt like I was trying something new. The receptionist saw me, opened the door and took my temperature. There was one other person there who was finishing up and then they left. By the time I signed the release form, I was up. As I sat down, conversation started naturally and we caught up since we last met. I sat there at ease and then I was finished. It was a positive experience, though I am still very cautious and continue to remain diligent. Being smart about how we handle ourselves (metaphor for many things) will lead us to good outcomes. I had built up some fears about going out and wanting to remain safe. Believe me, running to the shore to be amongst a crowd is still not an option for myself. Although we are still in quarantine, every day my comfort zone gets slightly bigger and I feel more comfortable as things start to “get back to normal”.
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