I’m one of those people who see the positive in everything. In every situation I find myself in, I find something beautiful and positive. Some people think it’s denial, but I’d rather call it a choice of perspective. I could choose to focus on what’s wrong, but I choose to focus on what’s right. I’m an optimist—I always have been—but phew! This year has really put me to the test. Just like everyone else.
The bad news just keeps piling up day after day. That (damn) COVID-19, the “new lockdown,” systemic racism, Joyce Echaquan, conspiracy theorists and their lack of education (the real kind—the kind you get from books, science, and school… not YouTube and other shady websites), online hate—everywhere, all the time—business closures, job losses, bankruptcies, psychological distress… I can’t take it anymore. My optimism has been worn away, and today, during these “red zone” days, I feel like an empty shell.
However, it's all a matter of perspective. Obviously, it could be worse!
- I could be an artist who has been told—AGAIN—"You have to stop creating; you have to stop being."
- I could be a restaurant owner who was told, “You’ve spent a lot to set everything up so your customers can enjoy a good meal in a safe environment, but you have to close.”
- I might be unemployed.
- I might be waiting for treatment or surgery. Me, my husband, my children, my family, or my friends.
- I could be that Indigenous father who has to tell his children that Mom, who had gone to receive treatment at a fully equipped hospital, will never come back—and that, on top of that, she was treated extremely badly, for no reason at all, just because of who she was.
- I could be a police officer. A good one—fair and competent—but one that everyone would still hate because of the few bad apples who abuse their power and live life to the fullest. power trip…
- Worse yet, I could be a politician… who has to make decisions for the good of her people, but whom everyone hates.
It's all a matter of perspective. There will always be people better off and worse off than us. We will always have plenty, and we will always have needs.
However, today, I feel a sense of longing. A longing for empathy, community, mutual support, respect, humility… for humanity.
So, wonderful community, let’s be kind to one another. And please share some kindness in the comments, so I can regain my momentum and keep sharing my optimism and kindness instead of my sarcasm. Thank you!