It’s hard to address the current situation we are all in without feeling like I’m missing something or being insensitive or selfish, but the truth of the matter is that everyone is feeling differently about the circumstances and for different reasons.
We have had to cancel or postpone all of our plans for this year, including a wedding, birthdays, vacation and other things we do that keep us sane. It feels big sometimes because something out of our control is controlling us. But then it feels small when you see what is happening around the world.
I’m grateful that these times have brought me the opportunity to connect with people I don’t talk to as often as I’d like. Old friends who are checking in. Teachers who are sharing their concerns about missing time with their students. Parents who are anxious about keeping their children’s spirits up.
What I’m learning right now is that it’s OK to feel. The world will tell you that your problems aren’t as big as someone else’s, but that doesn’t mean you lose the right to feel your feelings. I am allowed to be annoyed that people who never baked before are hoarding all the yeast, OK?
Perspective is what’s important. Perspective on how many things I have to be grateful for. Health, employment, food, technology, a home, loved ones, etc. I’m one of the lucky ones. And most of you reading this are too.
It would be presumptuous to say everyone who is practicing social distancing is doing it selflessly. Many are doing it to protect themselves, which is their prerogative. But I do believe a lot of people are doing it to protect others. And that’s what we need to remember about this time. As many people as there are being selfish at this time, there are just as many (if not more) sacrificing who and what they love so others can be OK.
I’m not calling a global pandemic a blessing. It is not. But it is a moment (or a few weeks full of moments) to reflect on the goodness that is around us. You can focus on the toilet paper hoarders and the “this is a hoax”-ers. Or you can focus on the helpers, as Mr. Rogers would say.
This will pass. There will be parties and weddings and birthdays and happy hours. Teachers will teach again and kids will hug their grandparents. And we will appreciate all of those little things more. Maybe we will make plans to see our families when we can. Maybe we will support our teachers more. And just maybe, we will find a bit of our humanity that we have lost in the clutter of everyday life.
Stay home and wash your hands, people. And stop hoarding the yeast. We’ll get through this.
