I’m a little bit worried. I don’t feel so great. This quarantine is going on and on and on. It feels harder to handle this time. I’m worried about my kids. I’m worried about my business. Even though my parents are no longer living, I’m worried about all the elderly people in care homes – my friend’s parents. I’m scared.

I’m at the studio every day and I am usually the only one here.  There remains so much to do, orchestrating the online classes, clients and teacher training and trying to plan for an uncertain future in an unknown timeline.

And I’m lonely. I miss the camaraderie of my colleagues and clients; the people coming and going; the friendships and support that have grown around a shared purpose.

Mostly I miss the combustible energy that exits at Retrofit, the excitement of new movement discovery, those shared “aha” moments, the problem-solving and inspiration that comes from working with such talented teachers and amazing clients.

I know I am luckier than many who have lost so much more. I grieve with small-business owners who have lost their life’s work and families who have lost their life’s loves. I bear witness to the relentless discrimination against marginalized and racialized groups and feel overwhelmed.

This is a tough month. It’s a tough time of year in the best of years and this is not that. It is easy to succumb to loneliness and despair. There is no simple answer to any of this. But our burden is made easier by sharing it.

So I am reaching out to you to say once again how grateful I am for your ongoing support. And I am encouraging to keep showing up to class every day or as often as you can even if it’s just to lie on the mat and take some deep breaths. Reach out to your friends and neighbours. Offer help where you can. Ask for help when it is needed.  Be kind.

Movement heals. Friendships sustain us. It’s good to have a reason to get out of bed every morning.

Stay safe. Stay well. Join me for coffee next Thursday!