6 Strangely Hopeful Things During This Unreal, Upside Down, Crazy Time

It’s like the world’s been given a giant time-out. New sayings are popping up – “self-isolating”, “elbow bump”, and “social distancing” – that would’ve confused us even a few weeks ago. A little green plant in my living room is the last thing I bought before shopping became an anxious, Purell-driven event. And yet good things have come from this awful pandemic. Here are mine. What are yours?

Italians – They sing from balconies and dance and play the accordions and violins. I’m sure not everyone in their country feels this “amore della vita,” but there’ something uplifting in seeing and hearing the human spirit. If I lived in those apartment buildings of Rome, Sienna, and Milan, the music of other humans would bring comfort. “You’re not alone,” they seem to say. “We’re in this together. Life is still worth living.” Sometimes it takes courage to be happy.

Small kindnesses – I was getting my hair cut the other day (Sigh. Our governor just shuttered salons and barbers). My hairdresser had said she was in the grocery store, stocking up on juice boxes for her grandchildren. “I was tempted to take them all,” she said. “But decided to leave some for others.” I’ve noticed strangers talking to each other more (and yes, a safe distance apart). A slight head shake or weary smile is immediately understood. “Stay healthy” is the new goodbye. In a funny way, Covid-19 has brought out our shared humanity. We need each other after all.

An Introvert’s Fantasy – Wait. I’m being “ordered” to stay home? I must spend my days reading and writing and walking around my back yard? Yes! At the same time, I feel bad for extrovert pals who have to curtail that hard drive to go out and mingle. Many are using their considerable energy for assembling furniture, arranging shelves, and painting their kitchens…and bathrooms… and garages. Since I’ve always felt safest and happiest at home (and don’t know how to assemble furniture) this part comes easy.

Life goes on, at least in nature – The coronavirus may have stopped humans, but it can’t stop Mother Nature. Spring’s here with its birdsong and green crocus shoots, and lilac bush buds. The light is stronger. The trees in Connecticut are coming to life. If all this had to happen, I’m grateful we’re not driving into the dark tunnel of winter. Instead, we’re heading into the most beautiful, hopeful time of year. Somehow things are more bearable. Amid this craziness, we’re surrounded by burgeoning new life.

What an amazing world we live in – It’s not till they’re taken away –movies, coffee shops, museums, concerts, travel, restaurants, baseball, theater – that we see how lucky we were, and hopefully will be again someday. Can you imagine sitting in a restaurant and just, well… sitting in a restaurant? Or seeing a Broadway matinee? Or even just going to the local movie? It now feels so rich and opulent, our world in all its choice and splendor and abundance. How lucky we were and didn’t know it.

Undying Respect for Medical Professionals – I thought my admiration for these people couldn’t be higher, but it creaked up another notch. Health workers are the unsung heroes of our age, and maybe every age.  Especially today, they’re doing their jobs under the highest risk, on the front line of a war with an enemy they can’t see. I’d do better piloting a 747 than performing any medical task. I can’t thank them enough.

In the end, the coronavirus forced a giant social experiment on us that knows no geographical, racial, ethnic, or religious lines. If you’re an earthling, you’re in. We can’t fight our way out of this or boycott it or ghost it on social media. We’re going to have to think our way out.

And yes, not knowing is the hardest and scariest part. Is this the beginning of some dystopian future? Or will we get through these “sheltering in place” times and go on with our lives? Or will there be something in between, another reality we can’t imagine yet?

I keep looking at that little green plant, a reminder of a way of life I took for granted. How fast things change, how quickly they can be snatched away.

But we’ve already stepped through the looking glass. There’s no turning back. Someday we’ll meet on the other side… older, wiser, and hopefully better.

 

What are your thoughts? Comments are always welcome and if you like, please share.

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