COVID-19: Staying Positive During Difficult Times

It feels like the whole world is holding its breath. The fog of uncertainty has rolled in and it’s hard to make heads from tails. Day by day, week by week, things seem to be getting worse, and it’s growing harder to believe what the experts have to say. Over the past few months, the narrative has changed countless times until we found ourselves in the midst of a crisis beyond controlling. This crisis has threatened our jobs, our health and our way of life and without a clear timeline for when things will get better, it can be hard to relax.

It’s important to recognize this event for what it is and respond appropriately. Tens of thousands have already lost their lives and if being reminded of the number at all hours of the day is what it takes to drive home the severity of the matter to the few out there still living in ignorance, so be it. But it seems a lot of people on TV are focused on who to blame or what could have been done but wasn’t. While that’s definitely a topic worth revisiting in the future, for the moment we need to accept the situation for what it is and focus on moving forward.

Times like these always seem to bring out the best and worst in people. Though for all the wasted energy spent pointing fingers or blatant racism you may have seen in recent headlines, there have been just as many moments reflective of the sheer kindness humanity is capable of.

This is a learning moment for not only us in the US, but for humanity. For the first time in my lifetime, the entire world is united in a singular cause. In the past, when a single nation suffers a tragedy, others rush in to lend a helping hand. But when every nation suffers the same tragedy we have no choice but to help each other.

That’s really all we can do at this point. Focus on what you can do to make things better for yourself and those around you. Use this time to reflect on what really matters to you and all that you have to be grateful for. As cliche as it is, the only way through this is to take it day by day. A pill easier swallowed thanks to the fact that for once, we truly are all in this together.

It’s hard to find the silver lining of a cloud that’s big enough to cast a shadow over the entire planet, but believe me, it’s there. You just have to keep searching for it.