White Collar Blues
COVID is affecting everything. It’s harder to see a smile behind a mask. It’s harder restart an economy as people turtle. And fear-based curmudgeons deploy scare tactics as a weapon to crowd out any natural discourse around possibilities and personal responsibilities.
My wife and I are among the many who are struggling with the “white-collar blues” due to COVID. We empathize with those who are experiencing an unequal impact. We’re both in roles that serve underserved populations. Longer work hours in front of screens is compounded by fewer breaks. Fewer celebrations, graduations, and family gatherings. Fewer recharging events refueling our souls. We are also hyper vigilant around two vulnerable individuals within our home — neither of whom would have a desired outcome were they to become infected. We are exhausted. It is this pressure we sought to relieve by traveling from North Carolina to the shores in old Florida.
We feel safe here. We have frequented this spot over the years and the hotel was only at a 40% occupancy rate as we checked in. We know our way — how to arrange beach chairs and where to get a light lunch. Our favorite arguments consist of which way to walk each day on the beach, what to eat for dinner, and which series we want to stream while snuggled up this evening. Yes, some people are not wearing masks in the hotel, on the elevator, and as they come in from the beach. We avoid those types. They do not stop us from wanting a mental health break.
We wake up, get our coffee, and stare quietly as the sun peeks above the horizon. Sunrise arrives at a leisurely pace. Thoughts stir. Creation happens. Daily. It gives flight to thoughts that are ground out of us during these days of COVID. The stirrings linger. One can carry them with you after spending time in a place such as this. Nature speaks. We all should listen and do our part. We observed the Turtle Watch guidelines that are placed in our room. Nesting season occurs from March 1 — October 31 and they ask all oceanfront rooms close their drapes at night. It’s a little thing to do and we were compliant. We want to preserve this place for the future. Our future. So that we can return, and others can share this special place.
We can all do better. Must do better. This week I struggle with our own contributions to the degradation of the natural shoreline. Single serving plastics accompany our journeys down to the beach and are exhibit one. It is something we try to cut out at home yet find hard to eliminate as customers to products in the local marketplace. The hotel’s coffee service is exhibit two. Whenever we travel by car, we have learned to bring our own travel mugs, preferred sweeteners, and the flavored creamers that can make any morning more enjoyable. How could a beautiful oceanfront property still serve coffee in Styrofoam? I’m surprised they even still have that item in their supply chain. The in-room coffee makers stock recycled cardboard cups. Watching today’s sunrise while even thinking about the Styrofoam (the worst possible thing for the environment) caused tension in my soul.
What worries me is when voices who advocate for the elimination of Styrofoam use the same tone as the ones who call for extending the shutdowns. This hotel closed its restaurant when occupancy dips. It offers guests a continental breakfast which consists of a variety of shelf stable plastic wrapped carbohydrates. They can do better. Can’t we please figure out how to eliminate Styrofoam while simultaneously promoting locally sourced baked goods. The Blueberry Muffin, a nearby establishment, serves coffee in a sturdy mug and bakes muffins the size of your head. Why not invite them to come in and delight your guests for what is currently being spent on sawdust and coffee served in containers everyone should be ashamed of. Real partnerships create value within complementary arrangements. They unleash the animal spirits currently missing from the lockdowns. These are the same energies that can help save the turtles, our shared environment, and our national economy all at the same time. Government over regulation, virtue signaling, and tones promoted in the national media are much less effective than being in relationship with real business owners. Small business owners. People.
