As the pandemic shifts, writers navigate the new normal

Last week I drove through three states and rode a ferry to visit my father, stepmom, and brother for the first time in what feels like forever. Here in the northeastern US, this is the current pandemic trend. Thanks to vaccinations and dropping rates of infection, many of us can finally hug loved ones, sit down inside a restaurant, or share a car ride with a friend. This is a tender moment–we don’t know when the next pandemic shoe might drop–but for now, it’s a joyous relief.

But when I sit in circles with other writers, I hear some regrets too. “This might sound crazy or insensitive, but I have to admit, all the solitude of the past year was great for my writing,” one colleague told me. “Now there are all these new demands on my time.”

We all agree that personal growth shouldn’t come at the expense of anyone’s health, life, or livelihood. And for sure no one is sorry to see the number of Covid-19 cases drop in their region. But in this year of seismic changes, every small improvement is a big deal.

There are the downsides, (trivial though they are in the light of the big picture), too: returning to the office, traffic, and slacks instead of sweats. For writers that list includes other obligations encroaching on the imposed solitude that we’ve grown used to, and that has allowed many of us time to write. So, we’re re-balancing our routines as new possibilities are opening up. And many of us are struggling to preserve some of that precious time alone we need to create, while we welcome back the time with others we’ve been craving for the past 14 months.

As for me, I noticed when preparing for my recent trip, my packing “muscles” were so rusty I forgot to bring deodorant! But I did stuff an envelope containing a chapter of the book I’m working on into my duffle bag. I’d gotten used to writing every day, and I didn’t want to break my streak — even though in the past I’d leave my “work” at home when visiting family.

We can retain some things of value from this nightmare year, like taking time for our inner lives and answering our call as writers. Perhaps we can preserve some space in our days for reflection on the page, even as we pack suitcases again and reconnect with the world beyond our keyboards.

So, enjoy those hugs…and keep your notebook close at hand.

May you dream, write, and be well.

Let’s talk about it:

• Have you found any helpful practices to ease the transition as you take small or large steps back into the world as a writer and a dreamer?
• Are there any habits you developed or lessons learned from this past year-plus that you will try to keep?
• Are there things you can do now that you couldn’t do before to support your inner life and creativity?

Share your thoughts in the comments. I look forward to hearing from you.

© 2021 Tzivia Gover, all rights reserved

Worldwide, Covid-19 numbers are spiking, not falling. Some of my students and friends who live or have family in other parts of the world (and the US, too) are facing unfathomable suffering right now. But I am also in daily contact with others who are experiencing a shift toward more “normal” routines. It is hard to hold all of this—the hope, the sorrow, the anger, and grief. Writing and dreamwork help me process the complex of emotions and contradictions inherent in the events of our time.

Dreaming on the Page

online classes for dreamers, writers, and creative souls

Dreaming on the Page

Let’s Keep Connected

• Learn more from my books: https://thirdhousemoon.com/books-by-tzivia/ 
• Follow me on Instagram: @tziviadreams 
• Find me on Twitter: @TziviaG

Don’t miss another post:

Subscribe to the Blog