Honestly throughout the pandemic, I have had only a handful of short-lived low points. I was able to power through those low points and get to a better place mostly because my family and I have not paid the ultimate pandemic sacrifice with loss of life or grave illness. I am grateful for that, and my heart aches for those who lost loved ones during this horrible pandemic As I write about this, I am reminded of the good Michigan bus driver who was angry that others were not taking the pandemic seriousl--a man who caught the virus by insensitive individuals and then died. Imagine the suffering, and likely resulting anger, his loved ones have faced during this difficult time. That puts things in perspective.
Yet, at this turning point, the sky literally and metaphorically looks a little darker--it's a lower point that points past simply because I am tired of the pandemic limitations, pandemic insensitivity, pandemic missteps, pandemic chaos, and pandemic strife so many of us feel at this time. I know I'm not alone with this., and this calls me to have to recalibrate yet again--find a good path out of this darkness. What will I do?
First, I know it's a time for greater seclusion--I simply can't entertain all the opinions, do-it-yourself suggestions, and mismanagement of this plight right now. I need to solely focus on what I can do for myself and others that is positive and life enriching. Everything else has to be stored away in a closet for another day.
Next, I need to take off the pressure to do more than is possible during a time of great limitations--no one is superhuman, and this pandemic sometimes requires superhuman strength. Keep it simple, keep it focused on what is positive.
And, I have to beware of comparing my choices and life with that of others. Everyone is facing strife of one kind or another at this time--everyone. It's important to be empathetic to this. Coping with the pandemic is not a contest, but instead a collaborative, do-what-you-can-to-care-for-one-another affair.
There will be better days ahead, and almost all of us can make a list of a few things that we can be ever so grateful fo. So I'll make that list and work out from there. That's a good starting point. Onward.