We’ve been spending a lot of time together, my husband and I. When there’s a pandemic on, there aren’t a lot of options. I’ve discovered he sucks in air through his teeth when he’s engrossed in a project – annoying? It was, but after 11 months, I hardly notice any more. He begins to tell me something, but he’s building a fire in the wood stove at the same time, so a quick little story turns into a lengthy 20 minute, huge-quiet-gaps-in-between ordeal. Let’s not get him started on all the annoying things I am capable of doing and saying – fortunately, we can laugh…and we do, and that’s a blessing.
So many people are complaining these days and it’s easy to join in. But heaping negativity on top of restrictions and closures – is this helpful? I think it brings us all down, makes us listless and lethargic and completely unproductive. Not only does this make the unpleasantness worse – it’s unhealthy. We are in a pandemic – have you ever been in a pandemic before? No. None of us have. No one knows quite what to do – infectious diseases experts, government officials – they’re all flying by the seat of their pants, trying to figure this out. It’s complicated, ever-changing and, at times, deadly. Our complaining only makes it worse.
So what are some of the coping strategies we might try, to help us get through this in a healthier manner? Well first and foremost – we have lots of time to pray. Everyone needs prayer – our frontline workers; the elderly; those with addictions and mental illness; priests and minsters and all who are alone and frightened. Let us pray. We also have time to call people, to see if we can help them in any way…picking up groceries or medications, just talking to them on the phone. Get out and walk, read a good book, learn a new language. Watch movies or shows that make you laugh – laughing, especially during these difficult times, is very important.
If we search for the good, the positive in every day, I guarantee we will find it. My daughter-in-law posted on social media the other day how proud she was of her children – ‘they griped and complained before Christmas about returning to virtual classes, but every morning, they are there, present and attentive and ready to get their assignments done.’ Good for them, and good for her – for seeing the positive and sharing it. My other son and his wife embarked on a fitness campaign which they soon discovered made a huge difference not only in their physical health, but in their mental health as well – win/win.
Instead of complaining about the ‘buy 2 for $4 / buy 1 for $3,” the new practice all the grocery stores have adopted – get the two instead of one and see if there’s anyone in the checkout who might need that extra bag of onions or potatoes…or maybe bring them down to your nearest soup kitchen.
Sitting around complaining will not help us – sitting and praying will. Then let’s get out and do some good.