Hello to all of my friends. I appreciate all of the messages and texts asking how I am coping through this. Right now I’m well. My worry is how are YOU coping with this? For my readers around the globe that are frightened, anxious, or just down right panicking over the current situation, you are not alone. It seems as though time has stopped and all of us are huddling closer to our families and friends, perhaps looking inward and downward with just a little despair. The world has flipped overnight based on what we are seeing on television, reading online, and hearing from the people we converse with in our daily lives. I want to tell all of you that what helps me most is to remember to look up!
I am reminded of a line from the Tony Kushner play, “Angels in America.” In the darkest moment, an angel descends from heaven to the protagonist in the play, Prior Walter, and tells him to “Look up! Look up!” It is a command that has always helped level my head when I’m anxious. Those words make me realize life is much bigger than what we see in front, behind and around us. It helps me to look up and breathe into something bigger.
I am experiencing similar anxiety and tension watching and seeing life change before my very eyes. Last week I left Italia for Geneva, Switzerland. Within 72 hours, there was an entire quarantine placed over my home. Shortly after that, all businesses were shuttered and citizens were only permitted to leave their homes for basic essentials. It’s unsettling to say the least.
I chose to leave Switzerland and come to France to be with a friend who I had planned on traveling to in the upcoming days. I didn’t expect the changes to be so severe and so quick. Part of me is sad that I’m not in Italia, while part of me feels grateful that people are strong here and already taking care of each other. I do believe it will be difficult everywhere eventually, and similar measures will be required in any country that wants to seriously slow/stop the progression of the virus. We all have to be strong. I don’t have any other opinions on the measures, the virus, the politics or anything other than the human experience at this point.
When I arrived in Switzerland, I expected to clear my head, breathe in fresh air and experience something new and different. However, I couldn’t help but remember to look up. Look above my current situation, and focus on what’s bigger, the beauty of the mountains, the water, the sky, the taste and smell of the air. They are reminders that there are greater things that will return us to balance. Pain is never wasted. We sometimes have to feel it to appreciate the joy that is all around and ever present to us.
I wonder what my late husband Darin would tell me right now if he could communicate with me from where he is observing all of this. I think he would tell me to remember to look up! So my dear friends, please love each other and be kind. There is nobody to blame here, just people that need to feel safe. If you want to make a difference, help someone who may need it the next several weeks. Many will likely be quarantined, and it will be impossible for some who are older or health compromised to leave their homes safely. Offer help to them, be safe, and remember to look up!
Sending love to all of you,
Luke
It is a very strange situation to say the least. I hope it’s not as bad as what the media tells us; time will tell. Take care of yourself. My thoughts and prayers are with you, especially at this time. Love you honey!
Luke, I believe that the fear is much worse than the actual “threat” IMHO the fear is causing much more harm to the world than any virus could ever cause. Virus’s much worse than this have come and gone for decades but this is the first time in my 85 years that I’ve witnessed such an unfounded panic.
I agree, Dale. The fear and anxiety can be crippling. We have come through these before, but I think the speed of information and misinformation is so much more pervasive. Panic never solved anything. Be well and I hope you can make it to Italia soon! She will return to her natural state of beautiful people, beautiful places, and beautiful senses!
Linda, it definitely feels strange. I too, hope it isn’t as bad, but I do think it will be a while before we see normal again. You take care of your self too…and thank you for your thoughts and prayers. March will always be a difficult month..and an even more important time to “look up”! Love you and be well!
I love this. I will be using it in the future and will definitely think of you. Great read😙
Thank you Susan. It was a bit of a bonus post…I felt people need a spark of love. You take care of yourself and thank you again for your kind comments.
Love this and what a beautiful outlook.
I will indeed “Look up!” 💜
Thank you, Daria! We’ve been through a lot together, and this is our time to take care of each other and ourselves. The Italians called the sunflower a “Girasole”…it means turn to the sun! I love that!
Beautifully written, as always!! Thank you!
Thank you Lisa. I appreciate your continued support and your kind words.
Well said Luke.
Take care of yourself.
Santiago Pacheco
Santiago my friend, thank you and I hope you and your lovely family are doing well, staying strong, and living life as fully as possible! Stay in touch and you take care of yourself as well!
Thank you buddy when all the crazy chaotic environment is behind us, my wife and I will join you for lunch in Italia.
Cheers!
Froebel Santiago Pacheco
That is a deal! Best to you and the family!
Wow! Beautifully written and such good advice! Thank you for lifting my spirits!! Enjoy France! It’s a great place where they hold ‘le joie de vivre’ closely!! Be safe, be happy and thanks for the look up!!!!❤️❤️❤️🇮🇹🇫🇷🇺🇸
Thank you Rob – I felt like I could put some light out there and I’m glad it lifted your spirits! Right now I’m safe, practicing happiness, and looking up! Sending love to you and Keith!
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You know it sister! I love you…and we will get through this!
I have been thinking about you and I’m so sorry this virus has crippled your hometown. It’s unbelievable. I’m so happy you are staying with your friend and taking care of each other. I am looking up and there is something bigger up there than here. I am saying a prayer of strength for you and to all those that are in need and scared. It seems someone has hit the pause button on life as we know it. I will be so happy to see this thing go away. Love you friend and take care.
Thank you for thinking of me – and I too am saddened that these measures had to be taken. I think they are the right measures and I think they will prevail. The Italians are strong, resilient, and beautiful people! They will take care of each other and come thru this stronger. It does seem like the pause button has been hit…and perhaps the panic button too! In these times, you be well and this will pass. Love you and hugs to my entire Florida family!
Lucca,
Great words of wisdom for sure! Things always are “looking up” after I read ur posts! Enjoy your time in France and hi to Maurine! ❤️😌🤗
Thank you, Lisa – and happy birthday my beautiful friend! Maurine says “hi”..and we both hope to see you and Gina soon! ❤️😌
Thank you so much dear Luke ❤️ It is good to know where you are and that you are safe and well. Your words of inspiration were beautiful and well timed. I’m getting out in nature to walk every day and Looking Up is a great reminder for appreciation, service and calm. Sending you love dear one 🥰
Debra, thank you for keeping me inspired with all of your urban hiker posts! You are finding beauty in everything. I’m glad you found this entry inspirational – it was completely unplanned, but it felt necessary after that splendid weekend of looking up in the Alps. It really helped me feed my soul. Sending love you to and the family!
I’ve been thinking about you. So glad you well and thank you for the great reminder. Be safe and enjoy France!
Armine, thank you! I’ll do my best to stay safe while staying sane. I’m glad you enjoyed the post! Enjoy the weekend and best to you, my friend!
My new life Motto…look up! Thank you Lou. I loved this post so much. Safe travels.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Yes..times call for us to look up! You be well..and thank you for following.