This year has been unlike any other--especially for those who take the CDC regulations seriously. I firmly believe in what health experts have advised. Sure, it's not easy to constantly keep your distance from others and wear masks all the time. In and of itself, it creates a feeling or isolation and anonymity.

By nature, humans are social creatures. The simple act of going into a favorite coffee shop, ordering a cup of java and sitting at a table with a laptop is still not available everywhere. This was a frequent routine and I'd lie if I said I did not miss it. I'm far from the only one. In Psychology Today, Dr. Ian Newby-Clark wrote about how changing habits can be upsetting to the system. Yet humans are very adaptive. 

They are also very stubborn. I love to dance and would enjoy going out to a venue. But I don't now.  To compensate, I found a great library of online resources for exercise and dance. Do I miss the gym?; yes, but I decided I would rather play it on the safe side temporarily than take a minuscule chance of contracting a virus that ultimately can take any person out in the most awful way. 

Some people might think 'what a paranoid and negative person.' You know, I'm really not but I'll be the first to admit that I have always been cautious and I firmly believe in scientific facts. 

Humans are stubborn creatures and don't like to be told what to do. Take a look at recent images of Miami Beach. Mayor Dan Gelber had to declare a state of emergency and impose an 8 pm curfew because spring breakers, mostly college kids, are running around maskless and not socially distancing. And they're fighting in the streets--what the #**&!!!

I don't blame young people. The past year has been frustrating and limiting--not to mention frightening. Plus they get a boatload of bad examples set by elders. I perused Facebook yesterday, which I try not to do too often, and saw many pictures of retirement-aged folks gathered together at clubs, restaurants and bars, eating, dancing, appearing to have loads of fun. I don't begrudge them having a good time, but there is a risk in the way they are doing it smack in the middle of an international pandemic. How about outside events? 

Limitations are tough on everyone. But think about the healthcare and front-line workers, or a neighbor who is health compromised. Doesn't it then make sense to sacrifice instant gratification and self-indulgence to benefit your neighbors? 

I advocate personal choice. But I believe there is a responsibility to act for the general good. The other day I enjoyed the Arboretum. You can walk around for free and there is a section of Japanese Gardens you may enter for a nominal fee. It was soothing and cathartic. There were loads of people around but they wore masks and socially distanced. There are options.