These are, indeed, strange and troubling times. New York City is but a shell of what it used to be, the lights have literally gone out on Broadway, and every single day, we learn of more deaths, and more cases of Covid-19 in the city and all over the world.  Ironically, social distancing has rightfully become the “new normal” in a time when we need to keep our social ties strong and intact more than ever. I was in Hong Kong on holiday with my family in late January, just as Wuhan was being quarantined and Hong Kong and other neighboring cities saw their first confirmed cases of the virus. One might think it a reckless idea to vacation in a country that was being plagued by a deadly virus, but people tend to feel invincible. Sure, it might happen to some people, but not to me. Sound familiar? As cases of Covid hit closer to home every day, we are forced to take on a new perspective. Suddenly, we’ve all become paranoid germaphobes; an innocuous cough now loaded with more firepower than a 357-magnum revolver. Bang. You’re it.

What to do? Do we lock our doors forever against this fierce, invisible enemy? Not quite. Thankfully, with care and a few extra precautions, life goes on as it should. The good with the bad. Just recently, I completed the final edits on my novel with my editor. If I hadn’t been working from home, the three-week process could have easily turned into a three-month ordeal. Suddenly, seeking out silver linings has become a new preoccupation. Observe: If I hadn’t had the extra time on my hands, I probably would’ve never gotten around to trying out those yoga videos. Yay me!  Okay, it was one yoga video and it was for beginners, but still.

These are, indeed, trying times, but there’s a lot to be thankful for. Family. Loved ones. Health. Laughter. Hope. My list could go on and on. Here’s one to add to the list: I’ve recently started writing my second novel, albeit slowly. When I was writing my first book, the task seemed so gargantuan sometimes that I felt overwhelmed.  The way I got through it was elephant bites. My husband cheered me on by equating each word, each paragraph and each new chapter to an elephant bite. Nibbles here and there, but ultimately, how does one expect to dine on Dumbo, except by taking one bite at a time? One day I was surprised to discover that I’d succeeded in eating the whole darn thing.

My new project, my fresh elephant if you will, is large and looming as ever.  Luckily, I’ve developed a stronger gut. A morsel here, a munch there, every day stronger and closer to my goal. Same goes for this new normal. One inch, one step at a time, we’ll bridge the gap between what once was and what’s to be, coming out on the other side stronger and closer to our goals.