Dear APOCALYPSE #22
Note to selves:
What if the coronavirus is the universe answering all of the wishes, prayers, thoughts and energy that we humans have put out there asking for more time...more hours in a day to get shit done, more time to learn X, more time to spend with Y, more time to figure out Z...time is arguably the most valuable resource there is, suggesting that the cost of “time” would be high.
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As this virus sweeps across our global landscapes faster than anything we have seen before, everything else comes to a halt. We see the destruction it leaves in its wake as our brave first responders work endlessly to save those infected and defend those most vulnerable. Their efforts do not go unnoticed, but the rate of newly infected surpasses what’s humanly capable.
It’s frightening now, and there is such pain and sorrow for those continuing to battle this invisible beast, for those sick and suffering, for those who have lost loved ones, who have been separated from their families, who have lost jobs, who have had to close up shop, those in need of food and supplies, and those who are already alone in more forced forms of isolation.
Yes, it is fucking scary, but many good things have come from bad situations throughout history. Both world wars had positive impacts on human and technological advancements that propelled us forward despite the awfulness of war. The bad is not what lasts. The bad is not the end.
Maybe we are seeing things in the wrong light. Despite the bad, this coronavirus has shone a light on just how broken our world has become. Maybe this is the universe trying to give us what we need in the only way she knows how to capture our attention. Maybe the whole fucking apocalypse is not the message, but rather, it’s the cost of the most precious gift of all — time.
Time to take notice of our current worldly status and our behaviors that got us here.
Time to reflect on what is important to us, our families, our communities, and what kind of a world we want to live in going forward.
Time to heal our hearts, our countries, and our environments and develop better guiding principles to push us forward with new advancements once again.
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As we weather the bad, all we have is time, minute by minute, isolated in our homes, waiting for this virus to run its course. The world has slowed to a crawl and our individual lives paused as we’re left wondering how to fill so many empty hours.
Let's not waste them. The planet is already starting to heal itself as humans are forced inside their homes. People are pushing the current limits of virtual connection to stand together with empathy and support for one another.
There is more to do. What if we treat each hour as a gift and fill it with good. What if we let the universe know we see her and we are listening for the next set of instructions. Let's follow through on our wishes and complete those Xs, Ys and Zs. We can better ourselves so we can better our communities during this time of uncertainty. What if we can come out of quarantine as a new world. One that is stronger, wiser, and more grateful than ever. United as humans. Committed to kindness.
What if more love for each other in this new world we create together is what is remembered most when looking back on the covid-19 pandemic? Love can cast out our fears. Love can build bridges between our differences. Love can be the light reflected in the eyes of those that survive. Is there a better way to remember the thousands of lives lost than by loving those left behind more whole heartedly than before?
(written on March 22nd 2020)