Clearing Covid 2020!

Covid 19…You suck…end of story.

Well, we all wish it was that simple!
As we all have learned the last few months, nothing can be taken for granted. As the many things we thought we knew about society and the way it functions was turned upside down, we had to face and adjust to many new obstacles, knowing that what we were doing and the sacrifices we needed to make, was essential for the safety and benefit of our community at large.

As we went into lock down, we faced isolation and boredom, (2 of the toughest enemies of folks in recovery and addicts searching for a new and better way of life), suddenly standing right in front of us with a big welcome back sign!

Well, not so fast, did we allow it to overcome us? Not a freaking chance! For some it was tough, one of the most challenging times in all of their recovery journeys, but for the vast majority of us, it was a victory over adversity, a challenge we overcame and many a valuable and positive experiences were had. Plus, many of us have had previous experience when it comes to being under “lockdown”...  21 to 28 days, some up to a year or 2, and yes we called it rehab, and if we could get through that, we could overcome this!

Rediscovering old hobbies, discovering new ones. Turning our living rooms into home gyms to keep the endorphins flowing. Opening old cook books and learning to bake, honing our culinary skills to impress when we are finally allowed to host that dinner party again. Building forts for the kids. Reconnecting with long lost friends. Having free time for self-reflection and meditation. Learning some Yoga. Finally getting to read that book that’s been sitting on the bed-stand for so long! Video calls with family, connecting with loved ones. Working on a new project, picking up a new skill.

Not to say that it was all just hip-hip hooray…. but with the tools of recovery at our disposal, we had the resources to come out of this stronger than going in! Technology saved the day for many of us. The ability to connect over Zoom or WhatsApp was invaluable and really showed many the importance of connecting. That being said, many did not have that ability. Which brings me to a word we often bring up at the end of our camping trips…. Gratitude.

How grateful to have had a roof, a plate of food and a warm bed the last few months. Millions were not so lucky. Times are tough, then and now. Once again to see how we have all tried to help has been amazing. Seeing the recovery community getting involved with soup kitchens, raising money through various endeavors to help different charities, offering to deliver food and drive others free of charge, and much more, has been inspiring and heart warming to say the least. Well done to everyone who has and still is giving back.

Hopefully very soon, we will be able to get the Beans Bus back on the road and onto new adventures. As much as we desire that, we also need to keep everyone’s safety a top priority. Spring 2020 will soon be upon us, and with that many new opportunities to get out and give Mother Nature that big hug and kiss she so deserves! 

Below some pics from a couple of trips we managed to squeeze in just before we went into hibernation....and 1 or 2 during :)