Digressions: My Life in 500 Words or Less
When I take the time to think about the unprecedented events which have unfolded in the past few weeks, it is clear to me a group effort is required to get through this.
While self-isolation and social distancing did not result in a big change for me due to my personal circumstances, I understand confinement might provoke fear, anger, boredom and resentment. I’ve read and seen news reports about some who seem underwhelmed by the threat we face. They do not self-isolate or avoid contact with others. Likewise, I’ve seen responses on the other end of the spectrum: some are overwhelmed to the breaking point, overbuying necessities and physically harming others to do so.
Lives have changed in unprecedented ways during this time, professionally and personally. Businesses are closed or operating on a limited scale. Employers and employees alike have had to make tough decisions while determining their financial viability.
Weddings. Funerals. Births. All have been affected.
Loved ones are kept at a distance. Faith has been tested.
Despite those who ignore the guidelines, most of us are all too aware of the potential danger involved in not doing our parts in limiting the spread of the virus. The virus doles out duty as well as devastation. These limits and restrictions are not about only keeping each individual safe, they are about keeping each other safe.
It is not about you. It’s about us. We want to overcome this virus for the safety of everyone.
Those who selfishly disregard the guidelines because they don’t believe the virus is a big deal or who disregard the guidelines because they think the restrictions are unnecessarily disruptive don’t get it. They make this event about themselves.
It is not about ourselves. It’s about us.
When I began writing this blog I didn’t want it to be negative. I didn’t want to name the virus because I know how inundated everyone has become with news, posts and broadcasts on this topic.
This blog is not so much about that virus. It is about hope.
It is about acknowledging that we have the right to experience the wide array of emotions this pandemic provokes. It is about voicing the idea that our unified efforts are how we are going to get through it.
It is about the artists, service providers, singers, musicians, business owners, moms, dads, children and others who are taking time to reach out through social media, broadcast media and in various other ways to lighten our hearts and calm our fears.
It is about those who know we do not consider each other expendable, those who know we are strongest when we are together in diversity. It is about those who know there must be sacrifices along the way.
It is not about you. It is not ourselves.
It is about us.
