The world is entering into a new normal. For the foreseeable
future we are instructed to wash our hands frequently through two renditions of
Happy Birthday, practice social distancing by leaving at least six feet between
ourselves and the next closest person, and not gather in groups of more than
ten. Many of us are working from home, even more have lost their jobs without
amenities, store shelves are empty of basic provisions, yet we have more need
of those same provisions given that entire families are clustered together in
self-imposed isolation.
People are reeling. Tomorrow is no longer a certainty, and
no one knows what the world will look like at the end of this period of trial.
Concentration is a thing of the past. It will return as we adapt to the situation,
but until that happens, we need diversions. Something, anything, to take our
minds from the news and the rising counts.
Earlier this month Marilyn Levinson shared her love of
Sudoku as a favorite diversion. Crossword puzzles, board games, reading, movie
watching, rom-coms, and favorite television reruns also rank high. Right now is
the perfect time to belly up to a streaming binge. Try to opt for something
that has lots of episodes, and a good slice of comedy, or eye-candy. Too bad I
just finished Longmire. Maybe I should start again.
There is only one problem with all of the above suggestions.
They require an ability to pay attention. Lately, I’ve found myself fresh out
of an attention span. That’s when I remembered I had purchased the Jacquie Lawson Cotswold Advent
calendar. Each day of Advent the user was meant to click on an ornament that
uncovered a different game or activity. Some were simple and one was made for
mindless diversion.
Day twenty-one is titled Holiday Lights. It’s various
screens of multi-color ornaments that the player “breaks” with a click of the
mouse. There are ten levels, no tricks, and less strategy. Computerized bubble
paper. Ingenious! Especially gratifying is the glass breaking sound the
ornaments make. A small tinkle of glass for a few baubles, a jolly explosion
for multiples. I’m no warrior, but every time I win the game, I feel as if I’ve
beaten back my fear and worry. Take that, coronavirus. We’re going to beat you
to your knees! I couldn’t get through the day right now without a good game of
smash the ornaments.
Have you found a diversion that works for you?
Stay safe, everyone, and take care of each other.
