This afternoon marked two weeks since my second Pfizer COVID vaccine, and the veil of worry and stress and doubt that has hovered over all our heads for over a year lifts just slightly. The emotional weight is slower to fall away – I’ve been on guard for too long to let it all down now, and I’m still intending to take precautions and retain a number of healthier habits developed over the past year. Distance from strangers, for example. Regular and thorough hand-washing. And a mask in public is the new accessory that I intend to keep for a bit, especially in the winter months. (This past year marked the first in which I didn’t come down with a flu or terrible cold at some point. That’s no coincidence.)
As for the new sense of freedom that comes with being fully vaccinated, I’m taking my time before going carefree and crazy. Just knowing that I can travel, and hug my parents, and spend weekends in Boston again is enough. I don’t need to indulge in all of it at once. The sense of hope, and possibility, is enough.
These are new beginnings.
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