How. Did. We. Get. Here?
On this final, 1,000th day of March, I think many of us are happy to see it arrive. But honestly with its arrival, still looms a sense of uncertainty. The world we are living in is changing by the second and if you are an ‘essential worker’ (this spans, well beyond healthcare) it can seem that changes are occurring at an even faster pace. We are all actively working to stay afloat, above, and alive.
I want to first share my gratitude to the folks who get it—the folks staying home, braving their dwellings daily without pushing to leave into a world begging for us to stay in. To those who are showing up to their jobs despite little to no protective equipment or supplies necessary to complete vital tasks. To the folks driving by the homes of others for birthdays, young and old, check-ins, and acts of love. More love and appreciation to the individuals and organizations that are donating equipment, coffee, food, smiles, and virtual support for those who need it. Thank you to you all!! In the face of darkness, the light of humanity seems to shine bright.
I also want to acknowledge those who have been having hard conversations. The providers relaying news of death and complication; Therapists working overtime to aid us in our most anxious season. Healthcare workers explaining to family members why they must be separated in their own homes and sometimes the news of their confirmed exposure or positive virus results. Employees discussing job loss or role changes with their families or navigating them in isolation. Those requiring PPE (personal protective equipment) having the guts to stand up to management and our country and demand what they need to stay safe and also those walking away because the stakes are too high without critical gear. Folks who have said yes to come out of retirement to be on the frontlines. Parents relaying their desires should something happen and children doing the same. It is surreal, it is eerie, it is overwhelming, it is humbling and breathtaking. Kudos to these conversations.
While March has revealed so much for our country and our world, we await the declaration of April. And this is how I am greeting it: with affirmations, honoring those fighting and those who support the fight, paying homage to those lost in this battle, ‘girding my loins’ (for you church folk ha!) for my own battles, virtually checking with my friends and fam (y’all are giving me life and laughter and an escape), sharing as much inspiration and ‘light’ as I can, returning to ritual as a way of calming and decreasing anxiety (prayers, stretching, sage, and candles), and resting and learning how to be ok with that. Oh! And of course, I am staying home when I am not at work so that we can see these numbers drop. I refuse to jeopardize others knowing that my work exposure could mean someone else’s life! These are a few things that I am doing to face this next month. Will it be easy? I don’t know and I don’t think so. Will I cry or have sad days, I’m sure of it. Will I have days that I smile—I am banking on it! Whatever is coming my way, I will meet it head-on along with whatever April decides to bring. And I hope that you have the opportunity and choose to do the same.
Be mindful. Be safe. Be well.
