I learned some time ago that I don’t do well when I contain or
ignore difficult feelings. They stew, vibrate, swirl around creating tornadoes of anxiety. I do much better when I name them and then
communicate them. While this post is in many ways an avenue for me to do that, I also want to acknowledge the fear and anxiety we are all likely having, and make it known that it is okay to communicate those feelings
So, I admit it. I am
anxious. I am worried. I am afraid. I am
grateful. I am hopeful.
Name my feelings…check.
I am anxious and worried about outcomes. We, those of us in the US, have not had to
deal with something en masse like this since 1918.
I am anxious and worried because I know there are so many people who can’t
take time off, who live paycheck to paycheck, people who risk losing their jobs
if they don’t show up, or their housing if they can’t pay rent.
I worry about people who are unsheltered, who don’t have
health insurance, who risk losing access to food, or safe places to sleep.
I worry about my elder friends, my friends who are high risk
due to health issues. I worry about all
of us.
I am not a hypochondriac, but this virus scares me because I
am a person of high risk. I have
asthma. I am intimately familiar with
the feelings of not being able to breathe. The thought of death by what is basically
slow suffocation scares me.
I am afraid because while I and one roommate are able
to work from home, the third roommate is employed by Starbucks and still has to
go to work. I worry for her.
I am grateful that I am able to work from home and that, for
the time being at least, my income will not be disrupted.
I am grateful that the streets are quieter knowing this
means most folks are doing what they can to follow the suggested protocols.
I am grateful I have roommates who are patient with my
instance on hand washing.
I am grateful I have a platform to express my anxiety, fear,
worry, gratitude…and hope.
I am hopeful because I see people reaching out and
supporting one another.
I am hopeful because I know we are resilient.
Communicate my feelings...check.
Please take care of yourself.
Please take care of one another.
Please stay home as much as possible.
Please be kind.
And of course, please wash your hands.
No comments:
Post a Comment