Tips for Unmasking — Start with the Simple Things

Got Any Tips for UnMasking? 

Besides running away as fast as you can, that is. When it comes to unmasking, starting simple seems to be the way to go.

We hated those stinking things at first and most of us still do. Then they began to be a part of daily life. One could say we even got used to them, at least a little. No doubt however, peeling them off has become the joy of 2021.

So, as America and the rest of the world begin to unmask, what has worked best for you?

“So long, evil mask!”

As we all begin to peel off those masks… have you thought about what you’ve been longing for all this time? What have you missed the most?

But have you given it much thought? What, if anything has surprised you?

Did it feel as if unmasking was wrong at first? It kind of did at times. Oddly, like some forbidden fruit of sorts. Some ill-gotten pleasure.

So, what did you do first?

Maybe that’s not the right question. I’m thinking most of us began with the proverbial toe-in-the-water. And it felt strange, didn’t it?

Maybe you’re one of the rip-it-off-and-dive-right-into-the-deep-end crowd? What was that like? 

A weight has been lifted from our faces.

Funny thing, I had made a list some time ago…back when we were in the thick of the pandemic. I’m not sure why, but I found some comfort in thinking about what I might do when we get to the other side of this thing.

I hadn’t looked at my list until recently. I’m not even sure I have referred back to it at all before then. It was assembled during one of those moments of COVID-style boredom to give me something to think about.

I called this post “Tips for Unmasking” because I hoped to have a few by this point on the page. 

It’s really the second part of the title that is the most important one I can think of… Start with the simple things.

The toe-in-the-water approach isn’t bad either. Man, I could never just dive into a cold swimming pool. Not happening.

And if ripping-it-off-and-dive-right-into-the-deep-end is your way, who am I to call you out for it?

Here’s the thing—we all have our own way to find our way back to a mask-free existence. The best tip I can think of for unmasking is to pay attention to this question—

What kinds of things have you been looking forward to doing again?

Sure, I can’t wait to fly on airplanes without the constant, nagging thought—will I get sick? And I sure can’t wait so see my Wildcats play in a sold-out stadium again. And I sure want to go to that concert by one of our favorite classic rock legends.

But what was it you chose first? Your choice might be an important clue to what’s really important… a clue to what matters most to you.

It’s okay if you jumped on a plane to escape to your favorite destination. But I’m guessing you may have started with some of the little things.

Little things like…

• Hanging out with friends
• A cookout with family
• Wandering through a bookstore
• Feeling the energy of a coffee shop 
• Wandering familiar places
• A concert in the park
• Local sporting events
• Going out to a movie
• Even a beverage in a bar

All this and more, without the feeling that you’re doing something wrong.

I think we’ve all realized a whole lot about really matters most in this world over the past eighteen or so months.

Simply enjoying the little pleasures in life once again, yes that seems to be it.

Be wise, safe, and well my friend.

And most of all, be untucked.

I’d really like to hear about your tips for unmasking. Share something in a comment. A lot of us have forgotten how to enjoy the important things… so leave us a little inspiration!

p.s. Oh! One last thing, if you enjoyed this post be sure to share it with a friend. Just use the Share-Buttons at the top or the bottom of the post. Thanks, I owe you one.

Copyright © 2021 Jeff Meister – All Rights Reserved