Written by Online therapist Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst, Ph.D.

DELIVERY

Comfort, Connection, and the Freedom to Choose

Convenience isn’t confinement—it’s a gateway. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how the delivery age reshapes our routines, expands our choices, and deepens our connection to what truly matters.

I am content in my home. We have spent years remodeling, revamping, restoring and reimagining this space. It works very well now. There are places to go in this tiny house that are inviting and purposeful. The screened-in porch has been revamped with these magical rolldown screens so that if you want to have an open-air experience you just push the button on the remote. This is also perfect for cleaning the porch because you just raise the screens and use the big blower to scoot all dust, leaves and dirt out of the way. When the weather turns a bit chilly, we fire up the electric fireplace and extend our porch sitting days for another month. I love being outdoors.

The deck is another lovely place to be. A hummingbird feeder entertains us most of the summer. Those guys are getting ready to leave us for the long journey to Mexico, so the feeder is really busy, and they tend to fight each other for space. There is plenty of room, but they just don’t seem to enjoy sharing. The battles add to the entertainment. As Fall approaches, the squirrels are busy collecting walnuts from the tree in the neighbor’s yard. Squirrels are very interesting creatures. So far, I have seen them bury these big green balls in flowerpots and under bushes. I imagine the green coating disintegrating over time to expose the hard wrinkly shell protecting the nut. If you have ever tried to open a walnut yourself, you will appreciate the squirrel.

All this comfort has led us to take advantage of the numerous delivery services available. We no longer go to the grocery store. Bags of supplies are delivered to the front door. We no longer go to the hardware store. Boxes of tools and supplies are delivered by Amazon. We don’t even have to go to Starbucks as we have grandchildren for that delivery. This is starting to sound insane! Are we becoming hermits?

Nowadays almost anything can be done remotely. I can go to Church online. I can attend concerts online. I can watch all manner of lectures and educational presentations online. My parents and grandparents would be shocked, and they would wonder if I were losing my mind or becoming a hermit. However, the interesting thing is that my choices are becoming more important and not less. I choose to meet my friends for lunch. I choose to attend small intimate concerts to listen to wonderful Baroque Music. I choose to visit galleries and marvel at the talent that lives in this town. I choose to walk through beautiful gardens that are only a few miles away or wander in the woods that snakes from downtown D.C. to the outer reaches of the County. The conveniences of delivery have opened time to express my values, challenge my intellect and satisfy my soul. Thank you to the delivery age.

Want to explore how remote services and emotional connection intersect? Visit ScaleUp365’s guide to emotional intelligence in remote life, The National Center for Emotional Wellness’ reflections on remote work, and Forbes’ strategies for emotional connection in the delivery age.

If you’re reflecting on lifestyle, emotional wellness, or meaningful choices, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional insight and intentional living.