By Gail Supplee Tatum, Columnist, The Times
My messages in the last few months have taken me in directions that have stirred up many emotions, changing, often times, moment by moment.
I can assure you that my message here is not a diatribe that will only bring sadness and discontent to you, my Readers. Instead, my hope is that I can, in some way, give you a different interpretation of what you’re looking at and dealing with each day. Offering a different perspective that might give you comfort, where you can be at peace with your decisions.
We are bombarded, regularly, with so much information that must be filtered for our physical, mental and spiritual health.
Most of us have never been faced with a crisis that affects every one of us on such a large scale where we are all being asked to ban together to battle and ultimately defeat this fierce enemy called COVID19. I repeat, we are being asked, and in some cases, mandated, to ban together, for the first time in our lives.
Those who have been directly affected are confused as to why our banning together goes against the right to choose. Some say our freedom is being compromised. Is it taking away our freedom to help each other? Would those who think their freedom is being taken away feel the same way if they or one of their loved ones fell victim and are now in need of support? It shouldn’t have to “hit home” to understand the severity of what we’re dealing with.
There should only be one side, and that’s the side of safety and well-being for the human race.
Open minds can lead to meaningful conversation.
This seven word statement sums up what could be called the key to unlocking understanding and harmony among us.
As we continue on this roller coaster ride, I will share how I have been maneuvering through these “uncharted seas”.
- Accept that there will be days more challenging than others. That means, give yourself a break. Allow yourself to feel what you’re feeling and know that it’s okay.
- Don’t stay down for long. Do something to cheer yourself up. For example, call that person who loves you for who you are and vent or put some great music on and get lost in it.
- Do not listen to the news all day. Get a quick update, and then turn it off. I am speaking to myself here. Too much negative news makes me very anxious and not in a good way!
- Limit your social media. On some of the sites, this has become the source of many different opinions, with lots of disagreements. If you feel like you’re getting caught up in it, shut it down.
- Get physical. While the days are long and the weather is warm, find time to get outside to feel the sun, to hear the wind blowing through the leaves and the birds singing.
- Stay connected with loved ones every day, either with a phone call, a FaceTime, a zoom call, a note and/or a social distanced visit.
The point is, regardless of opinion, we all want to be heard. Can we just acknowledge, hear and understand without personal attacks and violence? This is my prayer.
Where does it start? It starts with me. It starts with you.
Can we respect our neighbor?
I was taught to not judge someone unless you’ve walked in their shoes because you don’t know what they’re going through. This shows compassion and caring.
Where does it start? It starts with me. It starts with you.
I AM ONLY ONE, BUT STILL I AM ONE. I CANNOT DO EVERYTHING, BUT STILL I CAN DO SOMETHING; AND BECAUSE I CANNOT DO EVERYTHING, I WILL NOT REFUSE TO DO SOMETHING THAT I CAN DO. – Edward Everett Hale
We are the same but different. Stay open and accepting to our differences as we can only change what we can, accept what we can’t and have the grace and wisdom to know the difference.
Where does it start? It starts with me. It starts with you.
