With government restrictions easing in some areas, people are talking about their increased anxiety of stepping out of their safety zones at home. Others are eager to get back to work and “get back to normal,” while still others have never had the choice of staying home. 

No matter where you fit into that mix, the changes that we face each day do not leave anyone unaffected. 

So, what do you do to cope? Do you feel overwhelmed with all of the different perspectives that you hear? 

When exposed to the news, or social media- it can be disheartening to see the stories of those who have lost their businesses, or are very close to doing so. There are stories of some places that have felt they had to make a choice that goes against the government restrictions because they have not received any of the stimulus money that has been promised to businesses. 

We see those people facing legal consequences, and feel powerless to have our voices heard on the matter. There are many who have not received unemployment for over two months of lost wages.  

There are even those who have yet to receive a stimulus check and have no way of finding out when it is coming, even though they filed their taxes and they are eligible for the payment. 

It is bound to be an overwhelming time for everyone. Unfortunately, those who were the first to hang signs saying “we are all in this together” are now the first to bash one another on social media and political rhetoric seeps out of mouths that were never political thinkers in the past. Desperation causes humans to react in ways that may be unlike them. 

So, maybe the first step toward gaining control starts as an individual. Let us try to be forgiving to those around us, and try not to react to them and get caught up in arguments that will not lead to a positive outcome.  

If you see someone following the legal guidelines, such as simply wearing a facemask- and you feel that guideline violates your human rights, don’t call them a “lost sheep.” 

Why not try to reframe that point of view? Try to see it as that person is actually trying to respect your human rights by wearing a layer of protection for you from their own germs? 

If you have a health condition that contradicts the legal guidelines, then you do not owe anyone an explanation. 

We do each have a right to make the choice. We also each have a right to take our own precautions if someone is not able to wear that layer of protection. 

So, you may be met with some pause from others. It goes both ways. We must try to be understanding of one another.

This is our new way of life. So, the concept of “going back to normal” is not quite realistic. We cannot erase the changes that these past several months have forced upon our way of life. However, do not lose hope! In truth, every single day is about moving FORWARD. That is our key to finding the hope. Do not allow yourself to focus on the negative events on the news or unfavorable interactions with others. 

We must see them for what they are, and learn from them. Do what you must do to survive each day, physically and emotionally. 

If this pandemic has taught us anything, it has taught us to live in the moment. 

We have had our very survival threatened, whether you believe that COVID-19 is real or some political farce. 

Nobody is immune to the effects of the changes it has had on our world.  This makes a person stop and take stock in the most important things in life. 

What is in front of you and what do you want to have in front of you, moving forward? 

Above all, be kind and be hopeful.