So much has changed in a relatively short amount of time. The situation with the coronavirus has brought with it a lot of uncertainty, which scares a lot of people. I’m not going to downplay anyone’s fear or try to speak about things I know little about, but I will share some of my thoughts and feelings.
What’s happening in the world right now isn’t new. The specific virus may be, but not the scenario. But, it feels new for most of us because we’ve never lived through something like this in our lifetime. The history books are filled with similar situations, and they’ve happened over and over since mankind began recording events. Saying that doesn’t make things any easier of course, and knowing facts and living them in the moment are two very different things.
Then, there is uncertainty, which is uncomfortable for a lot of humans. Maybe even most humans, but life has never been certain and it never will be. We try our best to make it that way, but the truth is that precious few things are within our complete control. The news media, which is operating in high gear at the moment, pumps and endless stream of information at us and we’re told that we must be prepared.
Of course, being prepared is always a good idea, but it’s difficult to prepare for the unseeable. How can you prepare for that which you didn’t know was coming? You can’t, it’s just that simple. It doesn’t matter if you’re rich, poor, middle class, a celebrity, a president or prime minister. You can make every preparation possible, and try to be ready for every possible scenario and you know what will happen? Life will surprise you. Something will happen that you didn’t see coming. That is how life has always been and it’s the way it will always be.
What helps me deal with things like the coronavirus, or whatever life’s next surprise will be, is acceptance. Now, that doesn’t mean I like it. It doesn’t mean I’m free of concerns, questions, anxiety or even some fear. Acceptance isn’t surrendering or giving up, it is accepting the reality of what is and adjusting my mindset. It means I look for steps I can take and people I can help. Then I do what needs to be done. I can get pissed off that my life has been turned upside down, I can worry myself sick wondering how I’m going to buy food and take care of my loved ones, but none of that is going to help me in the present moment. I feel all of those feelings, just like you, but I work hard to channel all of that energy into action steps and modifying plans for my new reality. Roll with the punches. I don’t do it perfectly, but I’m better at it than I have been in the past.
I want you to know I feel the things you feel. In fact, the present circumstances have brought out in me some intense and deep feelings. I’ve been filled with white-hot anger toward people driven by fear and greed, oblivious to the people around them who have the same needs. I’ve been close to tears while walking the aisles of grocery stores, and seeing the fear and concern in the eyes of people I don’t even know. But I’ve also witnessed extreme acts of kindness and have seen people connect and come together in ways they never would have before.
Good or bad, everything passes because nothing lasts forever. I’d wager you’ve heard that hundreds of times. I want to believe there’s at least once exception, and that’s hope. Hope for a better tomorrow. Hope for the kind of love that transcends horrible situations, and transforms the ones going through it.
I chose the beautiful picture above this post because I wanted to remind both you and me that there’s still a lot of beauty in the world. I still hear the birds singing every morning, announcing that spring is here and warm, sunny says are just ahead. There’s also a lot of genuinely good people in the world, and I believe they outnumber the ass holes significantly. We see jerks more often because they tend to be bold and loud. Maybe it’s time the good people be bolder and louder. That’s my plan.
Many of you have enjoyed the songs I’ve written as I’ve journeyed across the USA, so I’m sharing them here. Most all the pictures and video clips in these videos are from my travels. Maybe they’ll bring you some joy, peace, and a little respite.
I love you guys.
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