The Pandemic Chronicles

Hello, my name is Sara, and it has been 142 days since I have entered a Whole Foods Market. Just picture me with a surprised look on my face. My jaw dropped to the ground after I counted how many days have passed since my last trip to Whole Foods. That is unheard of for me. I rarely go a week without shopping at Whole Foods. But due to the pandemic, I have avoided shopping at all grocery stores.

I have tried to limit my exposure in public places and have relied on delivery services. I like ordering my groceries online, but it’s just not the same. For now, with the rising cases in Florida, this is the better option for me. Hopefully, I’ll get back in the store soon because I truly miss it.

Last week, I finally ventured to a local small natural grocery store. Unlike Whole Foods, this store is typically empty and it’s also small, so it was a good test. I was happy to peruse the aisles for new organic products and surround myself with all things organic. But, I still felt very uncomfortable. Even though the store was clean, empty, I was wearing my mask, social distancing, and taking all the necessary precautions for a safe shopping experience, I still felt anxious and full of germs. That confirmed that it is still too soon for me to go to Whole Foods.

Sadly, everyone and every place is viewed as a potential COVID-19 threat. I despise feeling that way because I love being around people, traveling, exploring places, and shopping at grocery stores. This is our current reality and it just takes some time to adjust to this new normal. Little by little, I know I will feel more comfortable shopping at Whole Foods and other large grocery stores.

This has been a challenging time for all of us. Every day is a new day, but it feels like the days are on repeat. Almost like the movie Groundhog Day. Somedays, I forget what day of the week it is. Even though I am keeping busy and staying positive, this pandemic feels like a nightmare you just can’t wake up from.

I took a minor break from writing for about a month. Because of the pandemic, I feel it isn’t right for me to post about organic information and products when several people have lost their homes, their jobs, and don’t know when and what their next meal is going to be. Organic food is unfortunately more expensive and considered a luxury for many people. Most people are looking to survive and not thinking about organic food. I just feel it is very insensitive of me to post about the organic lifestyle during this time for that reason.

However, in the back of my mind, I also have a voice that says, “but why wait to post new information?” All we have is today and this moment. There is no right time, we create the right time. Tomorrow or even later today isn’t promised. I may never know who comes across one of my blogs that needs it. So I am struggling with what the right way and time to post is.

With that said, I do apologize for my lack of sharing or writing. Rest assured, organic food is still my biggest passion! Once things start to calm down, I will continue to post more.

Since there is constant negative news blasted from every angle and especially on social media, I have tried to limit my social media use. I have spent a lot of my time in nature and on things that bring peace, happiness, and serenity to my life. So again, I apologize that I haven’t updated my social media accounts as much as I should.

I just wanted to share openly with all of you and let you know why I haven’t been as active on my blog or social media accounts. None of us really have the answers to what is going on, but we just all have to make the best decisions and take the necessary precautions for ourselves and our families.

Even with this stressful and unfortunate situation, I always look on the positive side. Instead of asking why is this happening, I have asked what is this trying to teach all of us. That has given me the power to get through some of the toughest days. In time, we’ll know. But for now, I am just taking this time to distract myself from the fact that I haven’t gone to Whole Foods in 142 days! I’m just kidding. I’m truly just using this time to focus on my growth, create new goals, and on what truly matters the most in my life.

I hope you are all staying safe !

Love,

Sara, “S.O.Eats”