As individuals, we all face unknown aspects of our lives at one point or another. Now as a collective, we are all in a state of unknown together regarding the COVID-19, better known as the Coronavirus.
Mass fear and hysteria of the dangers of this virus have people in a fight or flight survival mode. It’s in our human nature to run from a threat and to protect oneself and loved ones. Though interestingly enough, many people who live with a chronic illness have experienced this survival mode on an ongoing basis.
We know what it’s like to live day to day in the unknown.
We know what it’s like to be scared.
We know what it’s like to need to protect ourselves.
We know what it’s like to be vulnerable.
We know what it feels like to be overwhelmed.
We know what it’s like to wear a mask out in public.
We know what it’s like to worry and have anxiety.
We know what it’s like to live with a viral infection, that hasn’t gone away.
We know what it’s like to have a viral infection be the trigger or cause for our chronic illnesses.
We know what it’s like to stock up on items, just in case.
We know the importance of not being around those who are contagious.
We know what it’s like to need medical support.
We know what it’s like to need financial help.
We know what it’s like to self-isolate, and we understand why we need to.
We know what it’s like to need to cancel events or plans.
We know what it’s like to call left and right for medical testing and help.
We know how important it is to have proper hygiene.
We know what it’s like to need hand sanitizers.
We know what it’s like to need rubbing alcohol and prep pads, many of us use these before our injections. But now they are taken from store shelves, as people start hoarding.
We know what it’s like to need to work from home.
We know how important it is to listen to health care precautions and instructions.
We know what it’s like to be housebound.
We know what it’s like to miss out on things people take for granted.
We know what it’s like to not have a cure for something we live with.
But through the seemingly negative aspects to those on the outside, some positives come with battling a storm only those who have been through it understand.
We know what it’s like to enjoy our own company.
We know how important it is to cherish those we love a little more.
We know what it’s like to appreciate the simple pleasures in life.
We have a greater self-awareness for ourselves and the world at large.
We know that doing less, doesn’t mean you are less than or have less.
We know how important cultivating inner peace and calm is.
We know that feeding into fear and worry of the unknown only causes more stress.
We know stress makes us feel worse, and try to avoid it at all costs.
We cherish our time to relax and rejuvenate.
We know what a privilege it is to be alive.
We have empathy for another’s suffering.
We know how important it is to respect those who are vulnerable.
We know what it’s like to need to be an advocate for our own medical needs.
We know money, power and status aren’t as important as good health.
We know the value of self-care.
As we all navigate this unknown terrain, may we all take some time to take care of the parts of ourselves and our lives that we have neglected. May we lean into the good stuff that remains, despite what’s being canceled or postponed. May we all have more inner peace and enjoy the simplicity around us as much as we can.
Absolutely beautiful and very much the truth.
Thank you for stopping by and giving a read! Glad I can help spread some truth for all of us.
I feel that there is no silver lining from Covid-19 but perhaps a positive lasting effect could be people continue practicing staying home if sick, better hand washing and less handshaking & hugging everyone. My biggest wish is that all now have a better understanding of what we all face every day, however until public officials start better defining who we are, this may remain a wish unfulfilled. #HighRiskCovid19
I agree it’s a pretty uncertain, scary and messed up situation. But like you said, hopefully people can come to a better understanding. I think the lessons and silver lining will be personal for everyone as we spend more time in solitude and reflection.
Beautiful words! Covid-19 spares no one; it is hurting people who are healthy, not so healthy, aged and dying with increasing vigour. I agree with you that it is similar to dealing with a chronic illness; the constant fight to keep the body protected, take precautions, the anxiety of it all is scary. It’s important now to lead a healthy lifestyle and not give in to sad thoughts; although it’s easier said than done.
Thank you for reading and stopping by! I agree with you and it’s for sure easier said than done.
You hit the nail on the head every time.
I enjoyed reading this.
Thank you.
You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
This is IT! You sang it, sister!
Thank you for beautifully expressing what it’s like to see life differently b/c of our illnesses!
You’re welcome! Thank you for stopping by and reading 🙂
“We know what a privilege it is to be alive” resonates the most with me. Great article. It depicts the thoughts of so many of us with a chronic illness.
Thank you for stopping by and reading! 🙂
I 100% agree these are uncertain and scary times. Now the Netherlands has opened up again, people are living their lifes as usual, like nothing ever happened and as if we don’t have to be careful amymore. This scares me and I’m afraid for a second wave. This is beautifully written. Thank you.
Thank you for stopping by and giving a read! I agree with you and many people where I live are also acting like nothing is happening. Some even say it’s just a “flu” and a bunch of other nonsense. It’s pretty scary but all we can do is protect ourselves and loved ones the best we know. I hope and pray a second wave won’t occur. Many blessings to you xx
Thank you so much for sharing this. So true for those of us with chronic conditions and/or those of us who are immunocompromised.
You’re so very welcome! Thank you for stopping by and giving this post a read. 🙂
This is excellent
Thank you! 🙂
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with all of us. So true. Life has changed, yet there is hope and I do look forward to better days!
You’re welcome! Thank you for stopping by and giving a read. I agree I am looking forward to better days too. 🙂