May 20, 2022
Dear St.Amant Families,
As with most times during the pandemic, we find ourselves navigating new, and unfamiliar territory. For two years, we spent time isolating, covering our faces, staying six feet apart and weighing the risks of social interaction and activities.
Now, the COVID-19 pandemic is not over, but it has changed. Many people are double and triple vaccinated. We have seen the benefits of that protection in the low numbers of severe illness and hospitalization of vaccinated people who have been infected. Our public health officials are removing precautions and telling us it’s safe to start a gradual return to “normal”.
But what is normal? Just as it took us time to adjust to isolation – many of us felt fear, anger, sadness and grief. Remembering what used to bring us joy and re-learning how to be social is also going to take time – and we may also experience a host of similar emotions.
However, now is the time to start that process and to help the people we’re supporting through that process too. Let’s take some time to talk together about the things that bring us joy, that feed our souls and make us flourish. For some people it’s team sports, a regular coffee meet-up, inviting friends over for dinner or game night. For others, it’s visiting museums and art galleries or seeing the latest movies and enjoying the buttery movie-theatre popcorn.
What is getting in the way of doing the things that bring us joy and connection? Can you name them? Is it the restrictions? Fear or worry? Are other people not ready to join you?
Let’s take some time, write down what brings us joy and set some small goals. Let’s help each other to flourish – maybe we can even start this weekend!
John Leggat
President & CEO
