“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” — Victor Frankl

It’s Shavuos and this is still happening? How am I going to do this?

To do this I have to be willing to Accept the reality that has been put before me. As Dr Frankl said better than most: between what happens and what we do about it, there is a space. Quarantine and physical distancing are real. They are here…still. For our own safety. What we do about these facts is within our control.

When we accept, then we open up whole new vistas we may never have seen before…Perhaps then we can embrace the idea of being stuck at home, for whatever that may mean for each of us.

This can touch on the reality that some of us find ourselves alone. Again. For a two-day Yom Tov. Again. Acceptance can play a part here as well. As we decide to accept that this is the way it is, we can realize that we may be alone, but we can make choices not to be lonely.

At any moment, we can appreciate the blessings we have about us. Do things you love to do and enjoy doing them. As one person told me she did at Pesach, put pictures of the loved ones we miss around our Yom Tov table, decorated beautifully, dress up if that what makes you happy! Go out for a walk, physically distance from people you see but wish them good Yom Tov. Reach out by phone or text or video to people you love before and after Yom Tov. Make a plan of what you are going to do to keep busy on Yom Tov. Print out reading material, borrow a book from a neighbour. Above all, be grateful for any little thing you can think of because we have so much to be grateful for, even if we are alone on Shavuos.

Again, we want to emphasize that if quarantine or being alone is causing you distress, please reach out for help. Resources in the footnote below.

Wishing everyone Chag Sameach.

Note: If you are experiencing any distress due to the current situation, please reach out to one of the following resources: Amudim has a confidential and anonymous support line at 718-972-3000 or you can call Toronto RELIEF Resources at 416-789-1600.