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May 26, 2021Liked by Linda S. Park (Any Pronouns)

Thanks, Linda. I had the same strange experience when I attended a networking group meeting a couple weeks ago, which had been meeting virtually and has switched to doing outdoor, in-person meetings once/month. I was invited, maskless, to sit down between two people at a picnic table. Even though I had COVID last October, and even though I am also fully vaccinated and I knew they were too, it took courage to sit down there. It felt strange. I received a hug from one of the members as I left. That, too, was strange-- lovely and scary at once. I've been working as a daycare administrator, so my life from Sept-now has felt more "normal" than most-- I interact with people outside my household every day, the kids are almost all unmasked, etc. But when I bought tickets to an outdoor baseball game last night, the prospect was exciting and scary. I keep trying to picture what it will feel like to be in a crowd again, even outdoors. Thanks for sharing this.

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Wow, you are observant of your sensations and feelings. I think being aware of it and treating it with compassion would be helpful. Like telling yourself that it is normal and okay to feel strange, scary, and excited all at once. Thank you for reading my letter and sharing your story. xo

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