Even in a Pandemic, the Good Outweighs the Bad
Since I started Midlife Pickle, I’ve thought about the concept of balance a lot. Balancing work and family, wants and needs, spending and saving, remembering the old but embracing the new. Something that I’ve started to realize is every situation has a mix of good and bad. Sure, the scales are not always equal, but I’ve yet to think of a situation, no matter how dire, that didn’t result in something positive.
When I was 20 my mom battled cancer. I quickly learned how to be a little less selfish and to juggle extra responsibilities. After several years struggling to have a baby, I was all the more grateful when I held Ollie for the first time. When I took a chance on a job that didn’t work out I learned to recognize and appreciate the things that matter in an employer. Struggling with my weight my entire life has taught me to have empathy and understanding for others’ compulsive behaviors and addictions.
This COVID-19 situation is no different. Yes, it has disrupted our lives. Yes, the uncertainty is scary. Yes, it’s likely people we know and love will get sick and possibly die. But the good that has come out of it is also beautiful.
Personally, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for my ability to work from home and provide for my family while so many others cannot. If I had not taken this new position two months ago, our family’s financial security would be in question. Instead, we’re able to focus our energies on our health, the boys mental well-being, and helping others who may not be so lucky.
While I am very much an extrovert, I’ve also enjoyed slowing down a bit. Being around my boys 24/7 for the last 9 days has given me a glimpse into the young men they are developing into. While we’ve definitely had moments where I’ve been annoyed with their giggling while I’ve been on a conference call, for the most part they’ve cooperated, they’ve concentrated on their work, and they’ve gotten along with each other. There is nothing like a global pandemic to help you appreciate your family and friends. This is true for kids too.
I had croup when I was a kid and it was frightening to wake up in the middle of the night, unable to breathe. The thought of this respiratory virus is horrifying. And seeing people on ventilators, sedated and lying on their stomachs is not an image I’ll ever forget. But I’ve caught myself taking deep breaths throughout the day. This is a technique I’ve learned from yoga class—breathe through the discomfort. Maybe I’m more stressed and breathing through that, or maybe I’m just appreciating each breath in a way I’ve not done before. Whatever the reason, it’s nice to just focus on the air moving in and out of my lungs while being grateful that I am healthy.
I’m sure we’ve all heard about the toilet paper hoarders and asshats price gouging hand sanitizer. Trust me when I say those are the outliers. I have seen example after example of people helping one another, being a little bit kinder, and being their best selves. If you don’t believe me, watch Governor Andy Beshear’s daily press conference at 5pm EST. He starts it off with positive news from the #TeamKentucky and #TogetherKY hashtags. Kids chalking the walk to spread happiness to pedestrians, people donating PPE to hospitals, distillers repurposing their facilities to manufacture alcohol and hand sanitizer, teachers still connecting with their students in creative ways are just a few of the highlighted posts. Andy is right, we’ll get through this together.
Yes, the past week has been challenging and what lies ahead will probably be worse than we realize. However, what I’ve come to realize is the good generally outweighs the bad, even if only by a fraction of an ounce.
As we forge ahead in this journey remember to stay positive, stay healthy, and STAY HOME.
