Just Okay is Okay Right Now

I don’t have to tell you that life is no picnic right now. The entire world is trying to adjust to our new temporary normal as we navigate the impact of COVID-19. We have many questions, few answers, and no idea how long the pandemic will last.

Educators are in uncharted territory. Shifting public and higher education to an entirely online format would be a daunting a less-than-ideal task under any circumstances, let alone in the rapidity we’ve been asked to do so. If I begin to think about the complexities and compounding inequities of it all I start to spiral, so let’s move on.

My point in all of this is to say that things are not normal. Consequently, we need to stop demanding normalcy of ourselves and others. We need to give ourselves and one another grace. We also need to defy the latest AT&T campaign and declare that just okay is okay right now. (No shade to AT&T—I love those commercials.)

We are doing the best we can in uncharted territory and our best is good enough. I can’t get a blog out every week right now. It’s okay. You might not be able to finish every project you ever thought you’d do in your house. That’s okay. WE ARE IN CRISIS MANAGEMENT. It’s okay not to do all the things.

So, in the spirit of offering grace and finding space for pleasure amidst the fear and anxiety, I’ve compiled a list of ten things that have made me smile in the last few weeks. I hope it might bring you a moment of joy. Take care of yourselves.

10 Things that Have Made Me Smile Recently

  1. This Twitter thread about a 5-year-old working to save us all

  2. This very soothing live camera feed of moon jellies from the Monterey Bay Aquarium

  3. My ridiculous BFF, comedian Sean Smith, doing #coronakaraoke

  4. Communities engaging in socially distant dancing

  5. Memes

  6. Hilarious parent responses to homeschooling amid COVID-19

  7. Penguins, puppies, and other animals roaming free at aquariums

  8. This Instagram account about our new “coworkers”

  9. The Backstreet boys singing “I Want it That Way” from home

  10. Rereading my favorite Jane Austen novels for the millionth time (and writing ridiculous posts about them)

Dr. Mikkakaself-care, education, covid-19, coronavirus, teaching, teachersComment