While uncertainty brings to light what’s important, unknowns have a way of challenging the curious mind. As they say, ignorance is bliss. My dog likely has no understanding of the coronavirus and its current effect on the world. (I say not likely because he’s a secret genius and ya never know!) He still gets to swim in the ocean and hike in the mountains. He still gets fed the same food, three times a day. And while he loves to have playdates with his pals, he is an independent boy whose company with the earth is most vital to his happiness. While his way of life hasn’t been altered enough to notice, his lack of fear or concern for pain of those he can’t see has allowed him to live the same care-free, beautiful life. I think it’s important to know what’s going on in the world. To educate ourselves on topics that prove relevant in our own lives, as well as the lives around us. I think it is our duty as human beings to try to understand what we can and our responsibility to show humility when we lack information. We must take warnings from health officials seriously, even when they don’t feel like a personal requirement. Not to go about life as if we’re trying not to catch this thing ourselves, but as if we have it and will spread it to someone who can not survive it. With that being said, we must also stay calm. Peace of mind always comes back to the idea of letting what’s out of control be. Working with what we have. Motivated, but not reliant, on realistic achievements. Doing our best and being okay with that. So when it feels like the world is ending, what is important to you? Is it maintaining close communication with loved ones? Reconnecting with lost relationships? Appreciation for the simple things? My priorities have become clearer than ever. I want to help. Help those who aren’t as fortunate as I am. Offer guidance in the ways I feel confident I can give back. Quick recipes for those who aren’t used to cooking at home, but are now confined in “quarantine.” Sharing my at-home workouts for those who can no longer access their gyms and are feeling unhealthy with the frozen meals, chips, and other non-perishables they’ve filled their kitchens with. Providing reviews for hikes in the LA area to inspire solo adventuring. Disconnecting from human contact does not prohibit getting out in nature. Reminding people of the magnitude that comes with light from darkness. How much brighter we shine when we reach the other end of the tunnel. Hugging the light, glowing because we know what it’s like to miss it. There is a silver lining to all that is being taken from us now. The earth is getting a chance to renew. Dolphins are appearing in the now tourist-free Venice canals. A breath from pollution. Our planet standing strong. The newfound appreciation for company, gatherings and hugs. The joy we will all feel when we can have those back again. The ways we have found to stay connected through technology. TikTok video challenges we can all participate in and never-ending memes circulating to cheer the population. Group video chats and birthday celebrations via FaceTime not only show commitment to our responsibility in reducing our pandemic footprint, but a commitment to each other. A promise to remain in contact while physical contact is sacrificed. We are uniting. It is with love and teamwork that we will prevail. We aren’t there yet, but we will get there. So many innocent lives are being taken from this horrible outbreak, it’s hard to see past the horror. Worried who’s next, grieving lives already lost. While ignorance might be more comfortable, knowledge with hope is more promising. Be smart, stay safe, and think of others. How can you give back? Make adjustments for what’s important. We will get through this, and we will be better because of it.
2 Comments
Michelle Lefkowitz
3/24/2020 06:28:58 pm
That was beautifully written and very well said. Thank you, Lindsey.
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AuthorLindsay Greenberg, providing perspective on how to live a magical life. Archives
April 2023
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