The Summer of Covid 2020

Over the past few months, I have heard the same phrases used over and over again.

 

These are strange times.

We are living in unprecedented times. 

This was my life... and then Covid hit.  

This is a year like no other.  

How are you doing?  Oh, you know, we are good.  It's been challenging, but everyone is going through it, right? 

It's been a steady stream of people trying to make sense of the unknown, and to stay grounded, despite all the chaos around.  

Now that summer is here, observing everyone has become even more interesting.  After months of being cooped up, facing anxiety, adjusting every little aspect of our lives, and living in fear... people have hit a breaking point.  They are calling this pandemic fatigue.  

People are making choices about how they want to live their lives, and spend their time.  More risks are being taken.  Some people are becoming firmer in their stance or beliefs about the pandemic, and are becoming more vocal.  Some are grasping at any attempt to enjoy summer, anticipating that it could all be taken away again in an instant.  Tempers that may have been held in check a few months ago, can't be held in any longer.  As numbers rise, many are increasing in anxiety and huddling in, once again.

My point is, there are MANY different reactions to what is going on.  

And that is okay. 

I understand how many people are tired, and just want to resume a sense of normalcy. 

I understand that the anxiety and fear that have come with this pandemic may need to be placed aside for a moment, and life enjoyed, because the numbing is not sustainable.  

I understand the desire to spend special time with friends and family, recognizing the gift that it is. 

I understand how much stress so many people have been under and why nerves are frayed.  

As much as I hate the cliches, because they can tend to minimize the experience many people are suffering through... these ARE crazy times.  We are living through a global pandemic.  This IS a time of crisis!  

As humans though, we can't live constantly in a state of crisis.  At some point, our anxiety center (flight, fight, freeze) becomes overwhelmed with the chaos, fear, and uncertainty, and it shuts down.  We become  numb.  Or we fight.  Or we forget.  These reactions are so very normal.  

Health officials keep on saying that we are going to have to live with this virus for a long time to come.  I don't know what that means, practically.  There are so many questions, and not many answers.  

We are halfway through the summer of Covid.  It has been so different, on so many different levels.  As much as I feel like I'm trying to keep some semblance of normalcy, and do some of the things we normally do... it is not the same.  

So, rather than judging those around you for their actions, or living out of fear and guilt... ask yourself, "What do I need to keep going right now?"  "What will restore me, and give me what I need to get through the next season?"  Be wise in how you answer.  Don't be reckless.  Be smart, and considerate to others.  Be creative.  But also, don't shrink back from finding some ways to get through this crisis.  Your needs may be different than others.  That's okay.  Take care of yourself.   There is no "right way" to get through a crisis.