Testing, testing, 1,2,3, is this thing on?
So I'm not a "consistent" blogger by any means. More often that not, I write when the mood strikes, or I feel I need a post that is longer than 240 characters, or a Facebook post. So with that being said, the title sums this up.
I've not been on here for 3 years, and if you look at my last post, it was about the loss of a beloved family pet. So it seems that maybe life events bring out my inner writer? Who knows, regardless, this last week, actually this last month has been eye opening, and more often than not it has given me pause. So let me share some thoughts, and what I'm choosing to take with me from all of this:
There will be heroes:
This is evident. I'm not talking the comic book variety, but rather the ordinary, every day folks that during the time of crisis do one thing, and that is "show up". If you take pause, and look around, you'll see them. The ones that come to mind right now:
Anyone who works in a grocery store, custodians, a doctor's office, or other business, facility, or service that we take for granted. They "show up" because the society at large needs them, or more like we rely on them. When this is all said and done, when the crisis has passed (and I truly believe that day will come) they will continue to "show up", their heroic deeds dismissed as life moves on.
So the next time you're out, be it at a doctor's office, a grocery store, or your favorite local "haunt" that kept the doors open during this time of crisis, take pause, and look at the hero, or heroes, that stand before you. Tell them thank you, leave a tip if you're able, or simply acknowledge that they were great in a time where it was difficult to do so.
There will be villains:
In "The Killing Joke" one of the penultimate tales of Batman, the author Alan Moore spins one of the most epic of Batman stories since the character's creation, and that altered the course of Batman for years to come. If you've not read it do, but know that it is at times gut wrenching. In one of the scenes in the story, Batman's nemesis, the Joker, says:
"All it takes is one bad day to reduce the sanest man alive to lunacy. That's how far the world is from where I am. Just one bad day."
Now don't get me wrong, the Joker by definition is an EXTREME example, but hang with me here for a second.
During these times it is easy to vilify people. Politicians, leaders, media, the irresponsible, those who "hoard" things, and too many others to name, identify. As you read this I guarantee some one came to mind, whether it is someone you know, or someone you saw doing an unspeakable act. Here is where I tell you again, take pause.
While there are truly "bad" people in the world, most of these people may have been victims of "one bad day" as the Joker tells Batman. These times are draining on people. For as much of a "connected" society as we've become, in some ways there is just as much disconnect, and we have only ourselves to blame. Worry is as commonplace as hope, and let's face it, we don't know everyone's story. The best stories often rely upon or yield some of the best/worst villains. But keep in mind, as the Joker says, sometimes all it takes is "one bad day" and let's face it, those as of late, have been pretty commonplace.
Look for the bright spots, practice grace:
So with all of this in mind, I believe these to be the most important thing right now. I've tried to talk about this a lot with people that I see, my daughter especially. None of our situations are ideal right now. We are creatures of habit, routine, and our lives often revolve around these things. When things are NOT routine, we get out of sorts, our lives become difficult, and it is only amplified when the situations that cause these things are out of our control. So again, during these times, I tell you again, take pause, and look around.
During all of this, I have been witness to some truly AMAZING things. I've seen co-workers "show up" and ask "where do we begin" rather than complain. For a frame of reference, for those that don't know me I work in education, so it's been a rough few days. But with all of that, the amount that we have accomplished has been remarkable! We all readily acknowledge that education as we know it will not be the same when this is all said and done. But what will come of it, I'm hopeful, I am optimistic, and I am IN AWE of ALL of my colleagues at this point. And I knew it was on the right track when our Board president closed one of our more recent meetings with idea that we should "throw grace like candy", a favorite saying of hers in recent times.
I've seen more people in parks, enjoying nature, not a screen in sight. I've seen people curled up with books, enjoying the open air. I've seen children and their parents connecting "old school" with the re-institution of "family game night" and "family read night" or "family movie night". A colleague of mine once told me that he believed one of the downfalls of society as of late was the lack of a "family" meal time, and gathering around the dining room table. In fact he came to this realization when he was house shopping, when he notice there wasn't a dining room. "We're all too busy!" he said! I chuckle as I realize that this time has made a triumphant return, and we have a pandemic to thank. It's odd don't you think? But then again, crisis brings us together, and forces us to focus on what is important.
Just this morning, as I was in the grocery store, I saw many a weary face as shelves were being re-stocked. But you know what else I saw? I saw people helping people. These same weary faces were just as happy to help someone find something, answer a question or three, check inventory. Or in my case get something off of a top shelf. (I know I know, the tall guy couldn't get something off the top shelf. THE STRUGGLE WAS REAL).
Yet here was this employee, who happily found a ladder, and saved the day. Heroic tendencies I tell you. I saw a checker having conversations with people in line, just checking in on them. People putting things BACK on the shelf, when they realized that if they took too many, the shelf would once again be depleted.
I ran into two colleagues that both greeted me with smiles and warm conversations, all of us silently acknowledging the week we'd had, and how we were thankful for a minute to breathe. One of those same colleagues gave me some fantastic news, so again, a bright spot, that lets me know we're on the right track, and that our libraries will do what we do, serve our students, to the best of our ability. More on that later....
Seek out the hope:
And now, let's talk about hope, because it too is important. More people are "checking in" on each other. Businesses and services are changing what they do to keep the lights on to support themselves, their employees, and giving a society way past the point of "cabin fever" opportunities to break up the new norms. SHOP LOCAL people, it matters! (Sorry, just had to say it).
I see people innovating ALL OVER THE PLACE, from churches (thinking of the "drive-in" church) I read about this morning, schools, making sure that the folks they serve are engaged and taken care of. Case in point, my district served over 5,000 meals this week. If that doesn't SCREAM hope, I don't know what does.
And if you've not been on social media lately (don't laugh) rather than be bombarded by all of the negativity and breaking news, seek out the hope. Readings from authors, the performances by artists, comedians, etc. Museums and their virtual tours, thousands of ebooks and other materials being made available. Or my favorites, the neighborhoods that are conducting symphonies from their balconies, other neighborhoods coordinating "group" exercises/workouts from the safety of their own lawns, or the messages of hope and inspirations being left on windows via dry erase markers. Again, INNOVATION.
Hope is the spark that lights the flame, so says General Leia Organa, (but she'll always be royal to me). Do what you can to fan that flame folks. Check in on one another, seek the opportunities where they are, connect or gather (albeit responsibly, social distancing y'all, it WORKS) with others, practice grace, and above all take pause.
It is easy to get bogged down in all of this. But there are bright spots if you look. And all it really takes, is a brief pause to do so.
Stay safe everyone, take care of each other, and do what you can, when you can. We're all in this, together.
