Today I read that there are more cases of coronavirus in the US than there are anywhere else in the world. It was the first thing I saw this morning when I checked my phone before mindlessly scrolling through ticktock, and finally getting out of bed. One cup of coffee later and I was ready to start the workday. The same way I have everyday….as if nothing's going on beyond my living room window. How fucked is that?!
I can’t help but wonder if this is the new normal. Am I subconsciously learning to ingest horrible news, all while being too privileged to truly feel its weight?
I’m home, I’m safe. My families safe. We have the resources to eat well, abide by sanitary recommendations, and afford medical treatment if needed. But this mornings headline is yet another reminder that this is everyones issue. America has that highest number of confirmed cases - and, as we know, this country doesn’t do a great job protecting it’s most vulnerable. The future for myself is murky but padded with stability. The future for them feels a lot darker.
In any other circumstance when there’s a national tragedy (and the grim prediction of this countries health is certainly a tragedy) it has the ability to rip through time, demanding some sort of pause or solemn acknowledgment. But today, nearly three weeks into social distancing, all I had to offer was a fleeting moment of shock quickly interrupted by a list of to-do’s.
The thing is, I don’t want to lose the weight of tragedy. I don’t want to accept this as “normal.”
I’ve had a hard time thinking of real, useful, things that I can do to help. I suppose writing fights against complacency, but it’s also very self serving. After a little digging, however, I rediscovered a few simple ways to lend a hand.
None of these are new concepts, rather things we’ve always had the capacity to do but forgot we should. So if you’re also feeling stuck, or a little too rooted in quarantines rhythm, I suggest the following:
1. SIGN PETITIONS!! - Local governments have the ability to enact change quickly. Look up your communities issues surrounding coved-19 (try *public health*) and see if anyone's trying to pass a bill to fight it. Simply adding your name can help enact change that will actually benefit people.
2. Declutter and Donate - This, specifically, is my biggest goal for the weekend. If you have the means, go through your things and get rid of the stuff you don’t need. But rather than storing it away, give it to the people who actually need it. Since we can’t leave the house try looking into donation pick up services. Some are still running! Or, carefully, take them to drop off shelters yourself.
3. Follow Positive News Outlets - I recently developed an obsession for the GoodNews network. They’re an indie publication that only reports positive global news. It’s a great way to break up the conveyor belt of depressing stats and remind you that sadness is. not. triumphant.
4. Call People (and talk about literally anything else) - I know it’s hard, but your friends and family are probably tuning into the news just as much as you are. Try switching the topic - not to pretend like everything's fine, but to boost spirits. And, with that, aid in emotional healing.
I have no idea when this is going to end, or how things will play out. I know you don’t expect me to, but it feels necessary to add. I don’t have any real answers and this post is in no way intended to provide them. But what I can do is offer a plea for empathy. In times of tragedy, it is our only constant.
Comments
Post a Comment