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Previous posts in this series (I will try not to repeat material): 

post #6  •  post #5  •  post #4  •  post #3  •  post #2  •  post #1 

On the plus side, I've heard a local bike shop is doing very well, and that many people were able to enjoy warm weather doing outdoor not-to-close-to-anyone exercise. Some business owners have been able to come up with new, adaptive ideas such as the "food hub". 

For most of us, though, things are bleak and uncertain. Many restaurants, bars and coffee shops and other businesses have laid off most, if not all, their workers. There have been changes made to unemployment regulations people should be aware of and take advantage of. Those who had company health care plans are left to figure out how to get coverage; not necessarily a part of your life you want to be insecure in a pandemic. 

With essentials like toilet paper still in short supply and being rationed at some stores, there is desperation evident in some people's actions. I read the frustration and exasperation in the texts and emails I help respond to as a  part of the team managing the Mutual Aid Carrboro/Piedmont Democratic Socialist fundraising drive. Some people waiting for their small grant to be processed have contacted us many times and want to know when they can expect relief. Many, many, many more people have expressed need than we have funds to cover thus far. 

The demands of these days, compounded with inconsistent sleep, have left me short and testy some days. Today I have been feeling well-rested and overall more stable. I did notice, however, that on the two occasions I was cautiously in the same room with people I care about, I didn't really want to leave and complete my errands. I think to varying degrees each of us in the room felt the craving for companionship, conversation, connection. 

How are you coping? Is it working? In my parents' neighborhood, someone is organizing a stand-on-your-own-porch and sign out loud event. Members of our Mutual Aid circle are planning to share tools and skills they've learned through dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Perhaps my friends and patrons at the Center for Koru Mindfulness have suggestions? In one of the regional Mutual Aid communication circles, someone shared a Google Doc titled "Covid Care Kit: Resources for Mental Wellness". I have just started to read through it, but I did want to share what I am finding. I have been keeping an eye out for resources and not finding as many as I think there should be.