Encouragement

REVIVING OR DEVELOPING INTERESTS AND PASSIONS IN THE MIDST OF COVID 19

by Marilyn (Marolyn) Tocker 
01/22/21
Not For Sale

  Message Writer
  Hire Writer

Tweet

REVIVING OR DEVELOPING INTERESTS AND PASSIONS IN THE MIDST OF COVID-19

Recently I became aware of feelings of isolation that I had resulting from lockdowns, social distancing, and wearing masks.   I felt like going out to a coffee house or café for a coffee and dessert, one of my favorite things to do, somewhere where no one would know me, to just relax and enjoy the ambiance, but it wasn’t possible.

I love the café culture, especially European and I miss it.  Talking to God while savoring a cappuccino on the terrace of a cafe, reading a newspaper, people watching, reflecting, writing my thoughts, or talking to someone at a table next to me, about life and God, renews and stimulates me, and keeps me mentally, emotionally, and spiritually healthy.

“What can I do about this, Lord?” I asked, knowing I couldn’t go out. Immediately a thought came to my mind “virtual visits to cafes in Europe”.  What an idea! But where? I leaned towards Prague, Czechoslovakia.  I dressed up as I would if I was going out to a trendy café,  made myself a Vienna coffee and a warm, fudgy, brownie, smothered both with whipped cream, and slowly savored each sip and mouth full while visiting old and modern cafes in Prague! I later visited cafes in Warsaw, Poland, Kyiv, Ukraine, and Minsk, Belarus.   Visiting cafes in cultures I was not familiar with revived me. What a wonderful afternoon!

Sipping on a cappuccino or tossing back an espresso in a trendy coffee house may not be your thing, but we all have interests and passions. I recently heard of a man who enjoys photographing storms. He took some online courses, and having more free time during Covid, deepened his passion for it. The world is at our fingertips!

The turmoil in the world, the news which is so full of it, and lockdowns, social distancing, and wearing masks can be overwhelming at times. Let’s seek to enjoy life, and our interests and passions, in the midst of it. They are life-giving and a gift from God.