Every day feels more and more like a dragged out halftime report as the numbers come scrolling across our screens as we eagerly anticipate the return of the players to the field to resume our regularly scheduled programming. Many places are now open and operating under strict preventative operations, knowing that we are "learning to live" with this virus. Much like the tornadic winds we experience in the spring, this virus is an invisible threat that causes palpable, visual, emotional destruction. We cannot afford to believe that is not true.
And yet.
So many folks out there have been quoted about their active choice not to wear a face covering or practice other social distancing methods. Generally, the tone I have observed from this group (I realize this is a large generalization) is akin to a resigned and frustrated people who are just "sick of it all." As I put more thought into it and continue to really try to see things from another perspective a few new ideas come to mind. The people who have made headlines with statements about masks/facial coverings "violating [their] basic rights" and/or being allowed to chose the risks they take for themselves are simply not acknowledging the repercussions their actions carry for everyone they come into contact with on a daily basis.
For me as an immunocompromised person who is only leaving my house for doctor/pharmacy/hospital this is hard to hear. That does not mean it is not important though. Usually, the more difficult something is to hear, the more it can create an opportunity of growth.
Today I took a break from my own thoughts and stopped wondering how it is possible not to think of others' safety and instead started wondering what might be happening in another person's thoughts. I wonder how that person feels right now. Often, the people not taking the CDC recommended precautions portray an individual who feels invincible. But no one has said that, at least that I have heard. I have heard that people will "take the chance" or "risk it" which both do imply some level of invincibility, but what if..what if itis actually fragility?
What if people do not want to wear masks because, well, that makes this whole situation so much more real? As long as you can turn a blind eye, then maybe just maybe this is not as bad as the news outlets make it seem, your at-risk family members are just as safe as they were this time last year, and the main focus is just to get the economy up and running to continue on with no "new normal" and no progression. Wouldn't that just be so much easier and less painful?
COVID-19 has proven to have several symptoms that people are not discussing:
1) Fear
2) Anger
3) Sadness
4) Uncertainty
5) Helplessness
Additionally, more common symptoms you do not read about regularly include:
1) Resilience
2) Empathy
3) Strength
4) Improved communication
5) Compassion
...just to list a few.
Although I see the raw necessity for facial coverings and many do not, I am hoping that we can all open our hearts to that vulnerable place where honest conversations thrive. That is how we beat this invisible, scary enemy. I don't know about you, but I have seen so much evidence locally, nationally, and internationally of items on that second list of symptoms. Let's keep making space to listen, laugh, and love together.
Prepare, don't panic.
-Allison
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