Brain Fog

In contemplation, Digital, Home, Life,
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When out, I fumble with my mask, flounder around with my purse and get anxious. At home I forget where I put my phone, lose my glasses, and feel as if I am living in a constant fog. I have lost the ability to multitask, unless I am cooking, and can read for hours on end, and yet, struggle to remember the name of the main character shortly after turning the last page. 

Maybe I should be worried, but honestly feel I am suffering from brain fog, brought on by isolation. As cases of the virus climb, and new mandates are put into place, my world becomes smaller and smaller. I am out of practice, losing skills that were second nature to me, because I don’t use them often enough. 

A few days back, the fog sat over the lake below our home all day. The day was dreary, full of rain, mist and a darkness that never lifted. And yet, I was so drawn to that fog, that I kept my camera handy, taking photos throughout the day. I not only noticed the fog, but also the tiny drops of rain on the beautiful burgundy canes of our red twigged dogwood. And, come evening I watched as a herd of nine deer made their way through our neighbors yard to bed down in our front yard. Because my camera was out and ready, I caught it all. 

Later, as I examined the photos on my computer I found beauty in the details the fog created as it moved among the hills all day. Calling attention to certain aspects that might have been overlooked without its presence. And among those deer, I think I spotted Rudolph. 

I am learning to embrace my foggy brain, understanding that by letting go of some of the mundane things I use to carried around in my head has allowed me now to focus on things that were maybe overshadowed by all that clutter. Bringing to the forefront the things that truly matter and giving them my full attention is more important now than it has ever been. 

Besides, I can always use his phone to call mine if I really need it. 

Stay safe,
xoxo, Cathy

5 Comments

  1. Cathy, as soon as I saw the photo accompanying the title of this post in my mailbox I knew it was you and happily settled in to read your essay. If it is any comfort, you are not alone in the brain fog, I have been guilty lately of forgetting what my husband has told me seconds after he speaks. This quarantine has warped time and our days, befuddling me to no end. Your photographs are gorgeous, the perfect accompaniment to your words (as always). I always know that when I set out to read your writing I will be nodding my head yes in agreement. xo

    • Grace, thank you so much for these kind words. And yes, you say it perfectly, quarantine has warped time and our days. It is a comfort to know I am not alone. xoxo, Cathy

  2. Such a gorgeous post, Cathy. The colors are so lovely. Thanks for sharing this reflection on fog, brain-related and otherwise 😉 It’s been a year of adapting, for sure, and I love the reminder to change perspective, and look for the beauty when possible <3

  3. What a beautiful post, Cathy. I love that you have taken your camera everywhere with you this year. And found beauty in all the things. x

  4. Oh Cathy, I really feel this post. Do be easy on yourself, times are hard. When the world comes back to itself, I absolutely believe our collective fog will lift. And Rudolf! That photo is so awesome!

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