Take a walk with me (six feet apart!). Right up front I’ll tell you that this is not a power walk. Our goal is not to rack up 10,000 steps. Instead, our pace will be that of a good old fashioned lollygagging stroll. Let’s turn into Pigeon Point Park. Step off the sidewalk onto the crunch of the fine gravel path that meanders through the park among islands of gardenia, azalea, and hydrangea shrubs often quivering with busy butterflies and bees.

During this watershed period of time I’ve tried to meditate even more—to notice more. One conclusion I feel it’s safe to come to is the fact that this period of time is about change to our race. A quote from Carolina Head Coach Will Muschamp comes to mind as something that bears being mindful about: “Change is inevitable. Growth is optional.” The following paragraphs are nineteen items I’ve noticed and hope to grow from in some manner. My hope is that it spurs others to do the same.

A few days ago, I “ran” into a neighbor as we rolled our trash containers to the curb for pickup. Six feet apart, of course. He always has a smile and a wave, and I was delighted at the chance to have a chat with him. After establishing the fact that our respective households were well – definitely protocol these days – he said he had a story for me. Turns out his son-in-law, daughter, and their 3-month-old baby had been visiting from Up East when the world scaled back. Several weeks later, they’re still here with grandad Doug and his wife. I’m sure lots of folks who can only see their grands virtually right now would be envious of the quality time this family is experiencing.