2020 has been less than ideal: filled with national and global crisis, heartbreak, and hurt. We all had high hopes for this year. For some of us, our hope lied in finally settling down with a significant other, graduating, expecting a child, joining a sorority, or maybe finally making a college decision. And sadly, as quickly as our hopes came, they also went.
The virus has overwhelmed countless countries, including the United States. We are all equally as scared and unsure of the future as our neighbor. Families cannot put food on the table, businesses are going under, employees are being laid off almost everywhere and there is nothing for us to do but sit idly by and wait until we might return to normal function. The nation hasn’t possibly suffered this intensely since the terrorist’s attack on September 11, 2001. And as despondent as America is as a whole, it is the individual traumas with which are hardest to cope.
We, as persons, have said goodbye to our loved ones, not knowing the next time we might look into their eyes. I, for one, left my favorite place in search of quarantine. We have been torn from the hopes aforementioned with no one to pity or console us because they, themselves, are losing hopes of their own. We have been forced to part with the memories that could have been, and we are asked instead to hold onto the memories that once were. None of us knew that our last class, day of work, party, or coffee date was our last. It was a comfortable life we were living, and now we are left feeling panicked and naive.
Perhaps, however, this is where the lesson begins: Never take anything for granted. Sure, this aphorism is primarily used after the death of a loved one or a freak accident, and it mostly holds true on an individual level, but here, we all are learning the same lesson collectively as we mourn the loss of our comfort. If a tornado hits, the family will take away an appreciation for their home…but like…of course we are grateful for our family and friends and homes!
The corona virus teaches us more. It teaches us the value of a handshake. The blessing of bountiful groceries. The marvel of a successful family-owned business. The beauty of a crowded theatre. The privilege of a political rally. The magnitude of a crowd syncing every song lyric at a concert into one massive volume. The pleasure of a simple elevator encounter. The intimacy of a hug. The opportunity we are given sitting next to a stranger.
And yes, corona has burdened us all in some way, but my loss is no greater than another’s. We are all suffering in some way because of the pandemic, but it is what unites us and what makes us stronger. It is a topic of “socially distant” conversation to which we can each contribute. It is a test of the American dream. It is ammunition against conundrums of the future. It is a tool to be used for our own self advocacy.
We are living in a trauma that has lacerated the American population. But just as the infection has spread, so might our resilience. The only vaccination for a depressive time is a strong mind. Pass the time any way you’d like, just do not let the clock put you in critical condition. We will brave it. We will bear it. These wounds are temporary, for it is a positive attitude that will save lives.
Much love,
Ev
Pathways 