Crisis
noun
a time of intense difficulty, trouble, or danger.
By definition, we are in crisis. Our families, our careers, our health, our existence are all in crisis. I’m sure that we will all have some level of ptsd when this is all over. Things that used to seem normal will take some getting used to again. We will definitely have an adjustment period. Unfortunately, this is not something that can be resolved individually. It’s going to take a collective effort to ensure our recovery from this pandemic. We will have to rethink our health and education systems. We will have to rethink most in person interactions. What is deemed necessary? Despite the headlines, despite the panic, despite the fear, trouble don’t last always. This crisis is only for a season. This too shall pass. Eventually, the pressure will subside. The cases will lower. The risk will be less. We will survive. And hopefully, we will learn the lessons from this crisis and avert the next. Fingers crossed and prayers up. We are in this together.
Reparations
Illustration by Golden Cosmos
Reparations is a word that has been tossed out a lot. What are reparations? Who should receive them? How much should everyone receive? It’s kinda like our government trying to decide about the pending stimulus package.
rep·a·ra·tion /ˌrepəˈrāSH(ə)n/ noun
the making of amends for a wrong one has done, by paying money to or otherwise helping those who have been wronged.
The first issue is that America has not acknowledged their wrong doing. Slavery is over and no reparations have been made. America has not acknowledged how descendants of slavery are still affected by this heinous institution let alone acknowledged how others have benefited from it. Before we can talk about reparations or restitution, we’ve got to own our past. We have to have the difficult conversations and then talk about leveling the playing field, that is the only way we can truly get our 40 acres and a mule.
Isolated
Admit it. Our fears have gotten the best of us. We feel alone. We miss our friends. We miss our social life. We miss being able to just go as we please. We feel imprisoned. We feel like we’re being kept against our will even if it’s for our own good. We feel isolated. Zoom meetings no longer feel like outside connection. They are a reminder of what life used to be like before this pandemic. Guess what? It’s okay. You’re not alone even if you feel that way. There are resources out there that can help. Do something that makes you happy. Take a drive. Have a social distancing picnic. Most importantly, get out of your head.
Impatient
I can admit it. I’m over it. I’m ready for this to be over. I don’t want to wear a mask everywhere. I was a germaphobe before and now it's gotten worse. I want my vacation back. I want to travel. I want my life back the way it was before Covid-19. I want my kids to go to school in the fall. I don’t want to be stuck in the house forever. We've all said it. We've all thought it, but this is bigger than us. We don’t see the big picture. We don’t understand what’s happening. The numbers are wrong. The sources are skewed. We are growing impatient and it's showing. Our lack of humanity is on display. Our selfishness is sneaking out. We can’t hide behind the disguise. We want out and unfortunately many of us will suffer because of our lack of patience. Ecclesiastes reminds us that there is nothing new under the sun, and to everything there is a season. This just happens to be an uncomfortable one.
Remember
Organization is key. We have nothing but time on our hands. We finally have the time to do all those projects around the house. We have time to take that online course. We have time to binge watch our favorite shows. Don’t forget that this is not a regular thing that we are experiencing. Remember that family is important. Remember you still need time for yourself. Remember it’s okay to feel. Remember that this is different for everyone. Remember that there are people who are experiencing this pandemic in a different way. Remember the less fortunate. Remember the grieving. Remember this lesson.
Happy Place
You’ve got to find your happy place. I know it’s hard to find a happy place under quarantine. I’m so used to finding my happy place in public venues that I had to rethink “me” time. I have learned to appreciate silence and showers. I enjoy cupcakes and extra icing. I have a new appreciation for bluetooth speakers and IG live. These are the things that make me happy. Find your peace. Rediscover your joy. Find your happy place.
Heroes
Real heroes don't wear capes. They are on the front lines fighting an invisible villain. They are wiping down grocery carts and stocking shelves. They are volunteers at testing centers. They are bus and truck drivers. They are garbage collectors. They are postal workers. They are nurses and doctors. They are in drive-thrus. They are in warehouses. They are civil servants. They are essential. They are making everyday life a little bit easier. They are risking their well-being for ours. They are our real life heroes. Thank you for all you do!!!!