What should we take with us?

Our lives are starting to change again. While we’re nowhere near the end of this, many of us are getting ready to leave the “hammer,” as they call it, and enter the “dance” – the more complex waxing and waning of public activity and togetherness that we’re told we can expected for the coming months and maybe years. Today, Costa Rica joined the ranks of many places around the world that have announced the phases we can expect from here through August, including the very gradual reopening of national tourism (that is, visitation within our own borders), beaches, and schools.

All of this means that the sun is setting on the first day, so to speak, of what promises to be our very long ordeal. I know from talking to friends that many of us have mixed emotions: obviously we want to see progress, but we are also worried about how these changes will play out, how we will continue to keep everyone safe, and even what we may lose as we return – even in tiny ways – to our previous way of life.

So as my own schedule picks up and I prepare for my last Wednesday morning Facebook Live, my question for you is this: what have you started to do during this first phase of the crisis that you want to continue as we move forward? Or, if that seems overwhelming – it does to me – what have you seen someone ELSE do that you hope they’ll keep up?

Maybe it’s someone you know who has spoken up and taken risks, or found new ways of connecting to other people. Someone who has slowed down and enjoyed herself. A business or school or government that has offered something new that you hope they’ll keep offering forever.

I’d love to hear your thoughts, and I’ll share some of the ideas on Wednesday morning at 8 am Costa Rica (MT), 10 am ET. Sending you “un abrazo grande” from Costa Rica.

I’m a writer in San José, Costa Rica, on a year-long quest to share daily posts on inspiring people, places and ideas from my adopted home as a kind of tonic during a rough time in the world. Sign up (top right of this page) to receive a little dose of inspiration every weekday in your mailbox; tell a friend; check out past posts; and please connect with me on Instagram or Facebook! If you want to learn more about how to support Costa Rica during the crisis, visit my COVID-19 section, updated regularly – or for ways to enjoy Costa Rica from afar, visit Virtual Costa Rica.