From My Perspective

My original column didn’t seem fitting for a time like now. Fortunately, other thoughts came to my mind instead that felt better suited for now.

Yesterday, even though I woke up to snow, the sun was rising and the skies were clearing. For me, it was very symbolic. Like many around the world, this past week took me by surprise. Events were canceled, establishments closed, social gatherings of almost every kind being discouraged. But the second day of spring began to give me hope.

I’ve said many a time in the past week, it’s not this new virus that scares me so much - and please don’t take that as a disregard for how serious it can be – but really, the virus isn’t what scares me. It’s the ugliness of the human race right now that terrifies me. It’s people fighting over commodities and hoarding supplies. It’s the greed of those who are selling some of those things at highly inflated prices and playing on people’s fears. It’s the shear negativity and downright meanness of people, and not only does it terrify me, it makes me sad.

The media, which technically I guess I’m part of by writing for a newspaper, but let’s say “big media,” in my opinion - and you don’t have to agree with me - is blowing things out of proportion, feeding people the worst and causing more fear, more hatred and more divisiveness, in a time where we as humans, as a nation, and as a community, should be pulling together.

And, as with anything, this thought hit me … it really is about what we choose to focus on. I could either keep reading every negative “post” on Facebook and the internet in general, or I could be different. I could either be fearful, depressed, angry and frustrated, or I could be part of the solution. I choose to be different, to seek the good and to be part of something better.

Here’s how I’m choosing to do this. I’ve turned off and tuned out the news and am listening to books on CD while I pursue things I love to do. I’m limiting my social media time and getting outdoors more. I’m bringing back a lost art of writing letters to friends, and sending uplifting cards. I mean seriously, who doesn’t love getting mail, right?

I’m choosing to be present, in this moment, which allows me to let go of past things and not focus so much on the future. I’m finding ways to help who I can, where I can, with what I can.

So, my challenge to you is this: Turn off the television. Get off the computer. Embrace what is our temporary new normal. Be cautious, but don’t feed into the fear. Find new ways to help, wherever you may live. Check-in on friends and loved ones. Take a breath, look out your window, and appreciate the beauty, in that moment, right in front of you. Take the time to enjoy an old hobby or learn a new one. Appreciate this new found time with your family and make the most of it – they need you now. Instead of sharing all the dread on social media, share positive things.

Don’t know where to find positive stuff in your negative social media news feed? Find me on Facebook and feel free to share from my page. You’ll only find positive there. From quotes to humorous memes, photos of my pets, the outdoors, and sunsets, to promoting things in the community, and yes, of course, knitting and fiber stuff – but you’re not required to share that if it doesn’t interest you. Be kind to one another.

My hope for everyone, as we work our way through this uncharted territory is that we all come through it with a new understanding of our awareness and our ability to help and make it through the bad times, and a better understanding of ourselves and the difference we can make.