Not everyone has the ability to work from home.

Last week my office was operating as usual. It’s a local company and we’re a tight staff so driving in kept a nice sense of normalcy. We were joking and keeping everyone’s spirits up.

The quarantine shaming from people online was laughable. Those who sit at home comfortably telling those who go out that they’re a “danger to everyone else” reminded me how privileged and misinformed some are. Also, how quickly division is established and pushed people to turn on each other.

Last week I literally had someone shaming me and anyone who didn’t stay home (because they were lucky enough to have paid leave), then they posted about going to visit their 70 year old father…

If covid-19 takes up to 28 days to germinate then a lot of the new cases being reported are likely from people who were exposed BEFORE the social distancing requests/orders.

Also, many of the new societal norms are in place to slow the spread, but every expert has repeatedly said there is no stopping this virus. We can take numerous measures to make sure we are better prepared over a longer period of time, but this virus is here to stay.

It makes the situation frustrating for everyone.

Except that I finally got the okay to work from home starting today. I write for a living. I could easily do my job from home.

I’ve actually been trying to convince my boss of this since I went on maternity leave with my son (who turns 2 in May). It took a global pandemic to finally get him to allow it. Not because he doesn’t care, but because morale at work is so important to our little small business and having a close working community is important to us all.

But today I’m focused and dedicated on proving that this works. Not just in this virus based scenario, but all the time. It saves the company on their utilities and supplies, saves me gas and time, and cuts down on pollution.

My commute is only about a 15 minute drive highway time. I had contemplated biking until I got pregnant again. It would be a long pedal but I love exercise and the back roads.

Now here we are.

I’ve got my laptop ready, all the appropriate windows open and the kids are doing their lessons with my husband nearby if they need help before my lunch break. We’ve been tag-team homeschooling for years anyway so luckily the kids haven’t had many changes.

For us, right now, things are ideal. I just wish the circumstances were different. I wanted to work from home, but not like this.

I’m dressed in my usual work clothes because even when I’m freelancing I feel like I need to be in the right mindset and the right attire helps foster that. My desk has been waiting for this.

When I work on writing projects in my free time I have a light I turn on and the kids know not to bug me when it’s on.

There are so many little things that make this work. So many details that I’ve been implementing for years. For those who were thrust into this without warning, I hope you find comfort in the ability to keep going.

For those who still have to serve others outside of the house in any capacity, medical, delivery, food service, retail; whatever, my family and I support and thank you.

For those out of work or laid off right now, there is hope. Grocery stores and shipping warehouses are in need of help. And in the long term, people are going to be dying to get out and enjoy everything they’ve missed come summertime. Things will get better.

It’s a crazy world out there. We knew this before the pandemic.

I always tell my children: I don’t care if the whole world’s gone crazy, you know how to act right.

We’re still laughing, learning, and loving.

How are YOU guys doing out there? Share your work, home, or whatever stories you wish in the comments below.

And remember, if your state’s on lockdown “outdoor exercise” is considered a health essential. Going out for walks, hiking, playing in the backyard, gardening, or stretching and hanging out on your deck or porch is still allowed.

Even when working at the office I take my lunch hour to play outside with the kids, that’s not going to change now that I’m finally working from home.

Don’t miss the opportunity to shift this insanity into a blessing.