Changes and Control

Countries are going on lockdown, everyday entertainment is becoming less and less of a norm, schools are closing until further notice, businesses are having employees work remotely, if at all, and people all over the world are seeing just how serious the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is. 

We’ve all heard about the novel coronavirus for weeks, but now we’ve come face to face with the reality of how it affects us directly and indirectly. With all of this change and uncertainty, you start to realize just how much it’s something we don’t really have control over…and you know what?  That’s okay!

One of my favorite quotes about change is from David Levithan’s The Lover’s Dictionary where he describes change as “flux”:

Our moods change. Our lives change. Our feelings for each other change. Our bearings change. The song changes. The air changes. The temperature of the shower changes.

Accept this. We must accept this.

David Levithan

But for some reason, we don’t accept it. Why? Why can’t we accept that things are ever-changing?

While we wait or cocoon from the next chapter, it creeps up slowly but steadily, arriving absolutely on time. Our new normal? Social-distancing, limiting exposure in crowds, working remotely, self-quarantining as needed, and (hopefully) sharing resources.

Yet, as we’ve seen on the news, resources are being gobbled up, companies are price gouging on necessities that can help those in need.  Worse yet, people are fighting in stores over items like toilet paper – no less. The worst of humanity is being shown at times when we need to come together, as our own actions directly affect others. More importantly, our very humanity, morality, and faith are calling for it.

In our ways, we like to have control, especially over our routines and what we deem as our regular or the norm, i.e caregiving, going to work, and going to school.

When we’re in control, we feel certain. Our worries and concerns fall to the back of our minds because we basically think everything is going just perfectly. But the reality is that life has its ups and downs, its highs and lows, its comings and goings, and that’s the beauty in the uncertainty of it all. 

Often, we’re so consumed by what we can’t control, that we tend to not stop and reflect on why the heck life threw us a curveball in the first place? 

Disruptions to our norm coupled with the intensity of COVID-19 changing day by day can, unfortunately, heighten our fears. But where in the darkness there is light, and I’ve seen many glimmers. Sheer acts of kindness, I mean pure goodness in humanity that are true beacons for what is possible. They remind us that we are all in this together and together is the only way we’ll get through. Even if that means adapting to change or relinquishing control.

And if you’re a little overwhelmed, try reading my 10 Uplifting and Positive Quotes to Grow Your Soul post and grab some inspiration and positivity.

How are you dealing with change?