Do Something!
I keep hearing the words, “people just aren’t getting it”, with respect to the COVID pandemic. Words uttered, with respect to people not understanding that, by not staying away from others; either by staying home, or social distancing, or at the very least, taking appropriate precautions to slow the spread of the disease, that this thing is never going to end. And, I agree wholeheartedly. People aren’t getting it. But it’s not just the staying home part that not everyone is getting. It’s also the don’t be an asshole part. Sorry, not very Christian of me, but I’m fed up! I’ve been doing my part to flatten the curve; staying away from people, not visiting my children. In fact, I haven’t seen my one daughter since just after Christmas because of her career that involved a great deal of international travel, and her need to self-isolate, as a result. I have been ordering a few weeks’ worth of supplies at a time; luckily, I get paid monthly. And, shopping online for said supplies, to avoid going out as much as possible. I live in the country. I occasionally go for very safe and slow drives; also in the country to avoid both people, and the possibility of collisions, that could result in putting first responders at risk. I used to be a cop, myself so, I am both very much aware of the risks and very cognizant of my own actions, regarding these kinds of risks. I have done everything in my power to flatten the curve and slow the spread, and have been spreading as much positivity, love, light and humor, as possible. I have been doing these things because, I know. I know; both personally and professionally.
I know, personally and professionally, what it is to be the frontline worker dealing with the crises; as a police officer, a crisis responder and mental health worker. I know, personally, that there is a strong possibility that I will be called back to active duty if things get any worse than they already have; and that my daughter will, as well. I know, professionally, the risks to people’s health; mental and physical, alike. I know the risks to people’s livelihood. I know, personally and professionally, the risks to families; violence, abuse, divorce, separation, and even death, in some cases. I know, personally and professionally, the increased danger, to the at-risk demographics here. I know the risks to the economy. I know the risks to international relations, travel, trade, et al. I know the possible risks to those who’s federal funding could be cut, as a result of the (Canada Emergency Response Benefit) CERB funding; at least here, in Canada. I know, personally, the risks to Veterans, waiting on their benefits and funding, and what the backlog will look like after this. I know the risk to their mental and physical health, while waiting at home, unable to access their regular treatments that they need to keep them from being completely debilitated. I am one of those veterans. I am one of those first responders who could be called back. I am a soon-to-be grandmother, who’s daughter-in-law, and unborn child (my unborn grandchild) is at risk. I am the mother of both, an active military member, and an essential services worker. I have even more reason to panic than many do.
And yet, I have chosen to remain calm. To spread love, light, humour and positivity. Why? First and foremost, because I have Faith, and that makes me strong enough to respond in a healthy manner. Also, because I have training, that helps me overcome my fight/flight/freeze response. And, because I have no issue with staying home, and staying prepared, because I feel like my whole life has been like some kind of work-up training for this kind of situation. Finally, because when we panic, and fear monger, it affects our health and wellness. Which is something that I cannot afford to have happen, while I have absolutely no access to any of my treatments.
And, because when we focus on the problem, the problem gets bigger. When we focus on the cause of the problem, we have to place blame. When we focus on who is to blame, we have to point a finger. When we point a finger, we focus on anger, resentment and bitterness. When we focus on these things, we panic and stress. When we are under psychological stress, it adversely affects both, our physical and mental health; which exacerbates the stress and so on. It becomes a vicious cycle of anger, stress, bitterness, resentment, blaming and shaming. And, without even realizing it, the problem gets bigger, and our humanity erodes. If our humanity erodes to a point that is worse than where we started before this pandemic, what is the point of surviving? What are we surviving for?
I know people are afraid. I know how they behave when they are driven by fear; irrationally, selfishly and arrogantly. Everyone becomes an expert, forcing their opinions down other people’s throats, and blaming their neighbors for the curve not flattening. Everyone behaves selfishly; hoarding supplies and looking out for number one. However; those driven by something more positive, uplifting and rational, rise to the occasion and help. They make it their duty to be a helper, and humanitarian.
They are the essential service workers, the frontline workers and emergency responders. And, they are the everyday heroes; citizens within our communities, that step up and rise above their circumstances, instead of complaining. They spread; hope, over hopelessness and helplessness, faith over fear, wisdom over worry and calm over chaos. They do this through their words or their deeds; or, some, both. In addition to our frontline workers, essential services workers, they offer their services to others to help ease the burden. They deliver groceries, prepare and serve food, give away free firewood, sew masks for people to wear in public, open their businesses to help; for the greater good, not for personal gain. Do they wish they could just stay home, themselves? Yes. Do they wish people were, “getting it”, and staying home/away from people as much as possible? Heck yes! Do they need a break from helping? Of course! Do they stop? No. No, they don’t.
Because they are walking by faith; in a higher being, or purpose or in the ability to get through this thing, together. They have a belief that they can do their part both, to flatten the curve, and to help ease suffering in some way. They have a belief in making things better; rather than in worsening an already unbelievable situation. They have a belief that we will survive this, through team work; versus through shaming and blaming. They have a belief in BEING the change; versus demanding change. And they do something about it.