Purses and the Pandemic

Today I find myself looking lovingly and longingly at my purses. Materialistic and trivial you may say, but they represent so much more than just mere possessions. The purses are a physical representation of special people in my life who gifted me these treasures over the years not to mention the one that was owned by my grandmother whom I never met, (circa 1920). Can you guess which one was Ethel’s? Even the purse holder was a gift! They also speak to a life I truly miss: jazz clubs, special concerts, Christmas parties, velvet dresses, sparkly earrings, much laughter and the thing I miss the most: hugging! Oh, how I miss meeting friends at a coffee shop or party and unabashedly, without hesitation, giving them a big hug, holding their hand, or just sitting close to them and feeling their caring energy.  Physical touch is huge for us human beings. Hugs make us feel sooooo good and there’s a reason for that. Physical touch increases our dopamine and serotonin levels which positively regulates our mood and reduces stress. Yes….I’m feeling melancholy and that’s ok because I, like the rest of us, am going through a very difficult period.  I know I need to give myself permission to grieve the loss of the way things were. I also know, like everything in life, this too will change for the better and I, along with my purses, will be there waiting for a special outing with friends and dear family members!