Stillness

In this time of seemingly unbearable stillness, cling even to the simplest joys to fill the space. Cling to the morning quiet, the lazy kettle whistle, the hush that comes when the sun sinks slowly, and early. See: even the sky gets tired.

Prioritize the things that make you feel most alive: calling your friends, finding a new recipe and mastering it, taking a long walk, writing a poem, and listening to a podcast that makes you think differently, take time for yourself, practice good self-care habits, spend time reflecting on your experiences, thoughts, and emotions. Ask yourself difficult questions and be honest with yourself. Remember that everyone is going through this crisis differently and be kind to yourself. Acknowledge your feelings and give yourself the space to be vulnerable.

And when all else fails, find solace in the small moments. Look for beauty in the mundane, pay attention to the little things, and appreciate the moments that bring joy and peace. Whether it’s baking a cake on a Sunday afternoon or watching the sunset, take the time to enjoy the present and be grateful for the moments of stillness.
These small moments, these simple joys, will help you find peace and solace in a time of uncertainty.

Cling to the love you've known, and the hope that, as good and sweet as it was, there is some new kind of love even to come. Cling to the eyes you catch glancing and hold the gaze, cling to embraces from dear friends, cling to the things you still have yet to reach for. Cling to the memories and the stories that have been carried through the ages, and cling to the moments that have been created as of late. Cling to the moments of stillness and the peace that comes with it, and cling to the hope that brighter days are just around the corner. Cling to the words you've written down and the person your mother knows you to be. Cling to the long sighs and puzzled moments, cling to the questions and doubts and even the little fears that sneak their way in, even in those things there is something to hold onto.
Cling to the simple joys, and know that no matter what, you'll make it through.

Mostly, cling to others' kindness, whether it's the stranger who holds the door or the person who holds your heart so tenderly, the friend who holds your hand in silence, the message from a stranger across the internet, the person in the coffee shop giving way for you to pour a dash of cream first, the bus driver greeting you with a gentle good morning. Cling to these urgently.
Cling to the hope that the world will open up again. Cling to the faith that you have within yourself, and the faith that you have in humanity. Cling to the knowledge that we are all in this together and that we will get through this. Cling to the moments of stillness and the moments of joy, and know that even in the simplest things there is hope.

And cling to the very real fact that even in the stillness of the dead of winter, the trees, sleeping and stripped of their skirts of leaves, dream of the first day of spring.