What an elephant in the room–right? OK, full disclosure, I SO enjoy watching Steven Colbert each night to help me put all this crazy brouhaha into perspective–a portion of his show is titled “Goin’ Viral”. However, now they too (along with all talk shows) will no longer have a studio audience, but the show must go on–thanks Steven for continuing to make us smile even though no audience response may initially feel a bit surreal–but what doesn’t these days?
You know what they say about laughter–it’s a mini vacation–and who doesn’t need more of that?
Another example of surrealism for me right now is that a couple days ago I was notified by Mom’s care facility that they are now on a 14-day lock down and longer as necessary–can’t say I’m surprised since it was a matter of time. However, it’s still a bite in the shorts to no longer be able to see her and no “Lawrence Welk” per usual this Saturday evening after dinner. Helping Mom with her dinner meals frequently and watching “Lawrence Welk” helps keep us in the present since that’s all those with dementia or Alzheimer can relate to, and admittedly, I need help with staying mindful and in the present. So I will definitely miss my usual interaction with Mom, however, since this isn’t about me, I DO understand the severity of this situation because ultimately it may keep her safer.
We will all deal with this the best we know how and with the best information we have. Meanwhile, there are many wise and helpful folks around us that may have some helpful advice. Very recently I heard Gregg Gonsalves, Harvard PhD and an AIDS Activist share some very helpful tips on a news program:
Even though the ‘rules of engagement’ are seemingly changing daily if not hourly, bottom line, we need to take care of and turn to ourselves because of the crazy dysfunction of this current situation–we need to turn to our own resources. Importantly, let’s not turn to victim mode–even though it feels good to push away responsibility–we lose capacity to take action. And what does that action look like? We’ll be exploring that and other relevant “Goin’ Viral” topics including loneliness in future articles. For now, let’s explore gratitude:
I think most of us know that typically we take so much for granted in our lives, going out to movies, going out to concerts, sporting events, having food and toilet paper on the shelves. Let’s consider that this is an opportunity for us to step back and appreciate that we’re not automatically entitled to these things and that our gratitude for what we do have ought to be bigger than it is.
As I’ve studied this further in my life, here are some recent things I am thankful for:
Dr Anthony Fauci, a leading American immunologist with the National Institutes of Health has become a clear voice of truth, scientific information and reason regarding this new virus and our best path forward.
CBS Sunday Morning, is an American news magazine television program that has aired on CBS since January 1979. It focuses on and features many positive stories instead of hard news and is currently hosted by Jane Pauley. Admittedly, since I’ve given up church going for lent–this program along with Super Soul Sunday make my soul sing each time I watch it.
Toilet paper versus Sears and Roebuck catalogs (OK, that’s dating me)
Technology such as phones and face time to keep in touch with family and friends; movies and Netflix.
Schools closed, however, due to most schools in our area beginning Spring Break, hopefully the parental challenges are currently minimal.
Mom’s facility will work with us so that I can visit Mom from the outside periodically which I intend to do as long as possible.
Bottom line, there’s no escaping this deal. So where do we focus our energy? How about the Serenity Prayer: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.”
That changes everything because we don’t waste all that time worrying about things we can’t change.
So basically, what we can do for now, Warriors, is to have safe distancing and hand washing practices to benefit ourselves and others. And let’s check in and extend a hand to our neighbors, family and friends.