A different perspective about self-isolation, to stay on track and stay grateful: 1. There are no bombs raining on our heads. 2. I am not a prisoner held in solitary confinement, as millions are. 3. I am not a refugee trying to escape with my life. 4. I am not standing in line waiting to fill a pot of water. 5. I have access to fresh food and I'm not starving. 6. I have hot running water. 7. My country has not been ruined by years of war. 8. I can reach my friends by phone and check in on them. 9. My friends check in on me because they care about me. 10. Any whiplash I feel about this strange turn of events is itself a sign of privilege. 11. More than half of the world would gladly trade their everyday problems for the modest inconveniences I am experiencing. 12. I may have anxious dreams but I'm dreaming them on a proper bed and I'm not sleeping on the sidewalk. 13. By staying at home, I'm helping the planet rest. 14. As long as I have my mind I can create, imagine, dream and not be lonely. 15. This global crisis connects me to people around the world and reminds me of our common humanity. This is a good thing. 16. When something tragic happens to another country next time, I will respond to it not with superiority, but humility and recognition. 17. I will fight for positive changes and economically just policies in my own country. 18. I am surrounded by books. 19. I am surrounded by love. 20. The tulips have already begun to bloom.
Last week I was thinking about what a friend of mine had said years ago before he passed about growing up on a farm during the depression. He said “ on the farm we never knew anything was going on . It wasn’t till you went to town that you saw what was happening. Ate good ,mom made our clothes , always had $ from butter meat and milk sales ,not a worry in the world. “ I must lead a boring life in most people’s eyes. I haven’t noticed a change in my lifestyle during this debacle.
