The last time I heard the words shelter in place, I was in an active shooter situation. I realize that what we are experiencing right now is not the same danger. Yet my anxiety is saying differently.
I am anxious. I am stressed. I am scared.
I don’t normally subscribe to the philosophy of thinking that everything could be worse. I think its an extreme way to belittle feelings and avoid confronting very real problems. But for now — and for the foreseeable future, it is what I live by.
For the survival of my mental health, reminding myself that I have everything I need to make it through this is vital. Not everyone has shelter, food, a job, a support system — and many won’t make it through this to begin with. I have all of that and more and I will be just fine.
I get why people panic, I truly do. Uncertainty, the need to protect yourself and your loved ones, that lights a fire under us all. But I am so sick of seeing everyone do so at the expense of others. I don’t know why its so hard for some people to care about the well being of others. Humanity depends on this to survive. At the very least, you should know and understand that.
I don’t have the energy to go into it all.
I just want to say to be kind to yourself and each other. Have empathy. Feel what you feel, distance yourself from the fear, but stay connected to the people who love you. Practice loving yourself and others as much as you possibly can. Give to others as much as you can. Help others as much as you can.
This thing will end. We will come out of it and things will go back to normal. I hope that you will be proud of who you were doing this time.
I am anxious. I am stressed. I am scared.
I know you are too.