Hello Human,
I thought it would be good for me to write to you. Your posts, tweets, videos, memes, and articles of late have been consistent and nothing if not honest. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with me during this time.
Speaking of these times — wow. What can anyone say except WTF?
The entire world is affected/infected on one level or another. Planes aren’t flying except to deliver precious cargo and brave healthcare professionals to epicenters of the pandemic.
Schools are closed. Gyms, restaurants, bars, clubs, office buildings, too.
Everyone is spending a lot of time together in close quarters. I’m not surprised that some people are getting on your nerves.
Guess what? You’re getting on theirs, too.
Given these unplanned circumstances, can I say how amazed I am by you?
I see you staying the course, taking care of your family. I see you disinfecting surfaces, washing your hands, doing laundry, cleaning bathrooms, cooking meals, reading to children, making the best of the situation.
You’re showing up for work even though you’re not sure what work looks like anymore. You’re making yourself available to others, helping any way you can. You’re arranging family get-togethers on Zoom and connecting with friends on Facetime and House Party. You’re keeping up with your fitness routine even though that looks completely different now, too. You’re sewing masks. Finding new books to read and shows to watch. Organizing closets and garages and rooms.
Rethinking everything about your life, what matters, what’s next.
You’re listening while others rant.
So, ya.
I see you, Human.
You. Are. Amazing.
I wish I could give you an exact date and time when the lockdown is lifted. When life outside your home will resume. When stores re-open for business. When athletes take the field again to play the sports they love.
No one knows.
This pandemic is minute by minute. People on the frontlines are doing everything they can to save lives and ease the transition for those they can’t. It’s brutal to think about, but it’s what’s happening. Not everyone will make it. People everywhere are sick. COVID-19 is bringing to light the degree to which people everywhere are sick.
Which is why it’s even more important than ever to remember that today is a gift.
A gift of time.
A gift of being present to the rain falling on the grass and trees and flowers and ground.
A gift of hearing the sound of children laughing, crying, jumping, playing.
Take the gift of today and appreciate it. Gratitude is the best attitude. It beats the rest and puts your mind at ease. YouTube yoga also helps. So does walking outside if you can.
Keep writing and posting your thoughts. Continue to find the small moments of grace and hope. Laugh about the absurdities. Say “I love you” every chance you get.
I see you, Human.
I know you are showing up and doing the best you can.
Keep going. We are all in this together.
XO
