Virtual Timing

Because of the lead-time required by the East Meadow Herald, I am writing this on Saturday, May 16, which is exactly two months since my workplace sent us home to shelter in place.

There were, as we know, many auspicious March dates — especially when New York State declared that all non-essential businesses were to be closed on March 22 at 8 p.m. And you will receive this paper, on or about May 22 — 60 days since that executive order went into effect.

Two months.

According to MayoClinic.org, by this time a fetus " . . . might be about half-inch (11 to 14 millimeters) long from crown to rump — about half the diameter of a quarter . . ."

Two months.

Inc.com and its contributor, Nicolas Cole, suggested that there are things you can do to change your life in two months. I thought Covid-19 would prevent this self-help as noted at https://www.inc.com/nicolas-cole/7-easy-things-you-can-do-to-change-your-life-in-th.html, but for those who are particularly ambitious, you can do any or all of the list. Only two* might be better to be performed virtually until restrictions are lifted.

• *Explore more of the city
• Finish that big project
• *Go to the gym more
• Eat healthier
• Stop scrolling through Instagram so often
• Surround yourself with more positive people
• Work on yourself

Two months.

For those who have taken their time and used this time to stay safe and stay indoors — don't measure the months — measure the truth. Maybe this time is measured in a little more cooking and a little more eating. Maybe time is measured now in social media connection and binge watching. Or the length of our hair and our beards. Maybe we will look back at this time and realize it was measured in unexpected conversations and moments of reflection.  

However you spent the past, however you will spend the days to come, remember to give yourself the time you need, the time to be.

A contributing writer to the Herald since 2012, Lauren Lev is an East Meadow resident and a direct marketing/advertising executive who teaches advertising and marketing communications courses at the Fashion Institute of Technology/SUNY, LIU Post and SUNY Old Westbury.