It Must Be Expressed
As parts of the U.S. begin to see signs of promising recovery (Disneyland’s reopening on Friday!), just about everyone I know has begun the slow-motion return to something that looks almost entirely, but not quite unlike, normal.
The vibe in Florida has been quite unlike anywhere else in the country. First to reopen, first to allow indoor dining, first to be accused of giving campaign donors COVID vaccine priority, but that’s just par for the course in this state. So, it can be difficult to comprehend that there are states, counties, cities and towns that are just now getting the green light to sort of carry on somewhat sort-of like before.
It’s quite incredible to think that most of us had never heard of COVID-19 before it quickly rushed in and changed everything, and a full year later, we have a number of vaccines available to combat it. 32 million cases in the U.S. alone with almost 600,000 dead. I know, it’s easy to grow numb to the numbers, especially when there’s a history of them being fudged for political purposes.
The variants are beginning to emerge and so is everyone else, stretching, reaching, begging to be let out of the house and into the yard, the street, the beach, the Great Out There, anywhere but the same old same old, and with them comes a lot of pent-up energy and emotion.
This is one of those instances where it’s okay to not be okay.
Most of us have never been in this situation before, nor had to adapt to the constantly shifting timeline of threat levels, critical adjustment, new information, solutions, set-backs and roll-outs. If “angsty” is popping up more in your daily menu, that’s not a surprise.
Even as we collectively begin to rise towards the sunshine, also as we regain those backward steps, it’s going to be more than a little weird going forward and it’s alright to feel apprehensive. There’s more going on in the world than COVID-19 and its ghoulish progeny. The country is still increasingly divided among a plethora of parallel lines. The economy has been drawn into question, our focus as a nation seems contested and the damage already done is nowhere near revealing its final face.
There’s a lot to be upset about, and for good reason. It must be expressed.
Talk about it. Share your insights and experience. Exorcise it and make room for the blessings that still exist from day to day. In the middle of the hurricane is the eye, where all is calm. Even in the path of destruction there is sanctuary. We’ve got to take those moments to recharge and collect ourselves or we’ll fall over the edge into the abyss. Don’t forget to make time to take time. Appreciate the sun and the blue sky. Acknowledge the breeze and the cooling mist. Find that which encourages and compels you and follow it through.
Sure, it may get worse before it gets better, but even the worst days have something wondrous, beautiful and encouraging in store. We just have to adjust our focus, take a deep breath and divine the joy in a desert of riches.
That’s my plan, anyway. Each new day is a gift, yeah? Embrace it with the delight of a child at their birthday party with balloons, cakes and presents.
‘Cause, I don’t want to be morbid, but only our todays are somewhat guaranteed. If we can’t find joy in today, then what possibly could tomorrow offer us?