It’s no secret that things in the world are out of whack, with the daily updates on the spread of the coronavirus, political infighting, and the like, and it is pretty easy to simply react to what is in front of us at any given moment. Times like these test us as humans, seeing what we are made of, so to speak, and what actions we take as we move through the day. Politically, there is a lot of rhetoric, which is not surprising, but a lot of what has been said needs to assign blame to one thing or another, whether the accusations are founded or not. People are panicking, hoarding supplies and food, and once obtained, hole themselves up and refuse to budge. And woe to anyone who gets in their way on this mission. Television does nothing to alleviate this situation, what with their ‘if it bleeds, it leads’ mantra, putting the most horrifying and inglorious happenings at the front of their broadcasts. Yes. It can be quite overwhelming. When informed that after today, a favorite restaurant would be closed for an uncertain time period, I thought of the waitstaff and others who count on this as their sole income, and wondered what they will do. I am somewhat relieved that some in this same boat, depending on sales to make a living, that their employers will be paying them a minimal wage, which is truly better than nothing, but not what they have become accustomed to making. And I feel helpless. And blessed that I am not in this same situation. And a bit guilty that I have been spared and others have not.
Amidst all this turmoil, I keep returning to something I was taught as a child. A phrase that is still with me: ‘Kindness never hurts anyone.’ Simple. Honest. Truthful. It takes a clear head, though, to remember this in times of stress, at those times we feel threatened and feel we must protect ourselves and our loved ones. This particular pandemic is still unknown in many ways, and as a result, we do not have the answers we need to feel anything like confidence when we navigate life and attempt to make good decisions. Something else this phrase evokes is that we are not the only person on the planet, who is ill, or, more likely, inconvenienced, by what is happening around us. Yes, it’s scary, and there are no easy answers—or comfort—to be had right now. Just unanswered questions, which make us all feel uncomfortable about the unknown in the world. It simply requires us to take a step back, perhaps a deep breath, or ten, and for us to see that we truly are in this together, and that helping each other is the best course of action. It was absolutely heart-warming to read about the number of grocery and drug stores that have carved out special hours for the elderly to shop, so that their safety is not compromised, and that they will be able to shop for the things they need, or that they might need, without the mayhem that crowds can bring to that situation. Again, taking the time to realize making it easier for us all to be in this together, is going to be the way through this particular crisis. In thinking of others, and not just ourselves, we become aware of ways in which others live, by choice or not, and simply knowing that fact can bring us a new perspective about life in this world.
This virus, this time, and the behavior we see out in the world will soon be history, but the decisions we make today, on our own, will be the memories that will last. I hope, and pray, that I am able to be kind to those I love, those I find annoying, those who are truly afraid and are acting out, and those who are trying to make a difference, in the lives of us all. Together.