This week marks the anniversary of the first pandemic in our lifetime leading to a long hard year- who wouldn’t want a break? Most of you however will not be headed in swim trunks and bikinis to the south of Florida to drink umbrella cocktails in open air bars and play beach volley ball. In fact, in spite of the CDC guidelines that vaccinated and low risk people can engage, I see inertia. Some are baby-stepping into life again like hibernating bears, venturing forth but without the former abandon. All somewhat fearful that a random spray of mucus could shatter their bubble. Many of my family and friends have recovered from the virus- they got the T shirt, but how do we move from fear to recovery to empowerment now?

We think of adventure, excitement, challenges as the way to express ourselves out loud in this life which offers every opportunity. The mandated shut down a year ago almost resulted in a sigh of relief- a break for the entire world….until that hypo-stimulated reality set in and devolved to a hermit way of life. People are finding it difficult to re- engage. Resistance is everywhere. The psychological barrier is very real for many. A few who have been active all along see no obstacles. For others, they feel threatened leaving the cocoon, its like the first day of school or work.

This new freedom is intimidating. My patients experience it on their last day of treatment, “Ok you are done with this cancer, go live your life!” They look at me as if I am crazy! Of course having identified with cancer its hard to imagine beginning life anew. Back to some semblance of normal will take re-entry.

And so today I say, its ok to take baby steps. For those of you who have studied, taught, worked from home, stopped visiting friends and family, its perfectly fine to be gentle with yourself. You may be hiding some timid fear behind the comfort of the mask. Begin slowly but remember children do not grow unless challenged and encouraged – a little push is often necessary in life and maybe especially this year. Let’s open the door now, together.

The fresh spring air is just what you needed. Your own spring break can involve a walk with a friend, a visit, even a child’s ball game. Trust that you will have muscle memory and very quickly re-adapt to a social life again. You don’t have to put on the bikini or sit at the bar, but you can design your own celebration of breaking free (I have witnessed my patients make this transition to reclaim their lives for almost thirty years). Your life is waiting for you. This weekend starts Daylight Savings Time, so lets “spring ahead” together and enjoy a new-found and well deserved fresh start.