I would like to say that after a year of near-solitary confinement, I have some life-changing perspectives to reflect upon.
Perhaps I do.
As much as I am a loner, I found I missed casual contact with the cashiers, waitstaff, vet techs and librarians I had seen and chatted with so often before.
Although a retired librarian and avid reader, I was unable to concentrate on reading, except for news feeds on my cell phone that kept me in a state of high anxiety for most of the year. But recreational reading…not so much. I miss reading for pleasure and sharing with my book club.
Never a fan of buying books online instead of moseying through a brick and mortar bookshop, the Amazon delivery driver provided some human contact and “vocal transmission.” Chit-chat. I missed chit-chat; so I ordered often. My to-be-read collection in this one year is huge.
While I consider myself a “techno-dud,” I relied heavily on my cell phone to keep me connected to Google, the daily news from the Hill, email, Zoom and Face Time calls with family and friends. Getting actual letters were real treats, so I am now committed to sending more letters myself.
I appreciated home delivery; but I missed seeing those aisles of smiles and grocery items at the local stores—the colors, shapes, and sizes of various products; the firmness and freshness I wanted to judge for myself before purchasing.
So, it seems choice is the underlying freedom I missed most. And choosing to be alone feels different, very different, than forced seclusion. This is Sharon Nicola, and that is my Perspective.
