Time to accentuate the positive
Nova Scotians have worked extremely hard over the past year to keep COVID-19 numbers under control and had been very successful.
In fact, with a low case count throughout the latter part of 2020 and into early 2021, we were the envy of the rest of the Canada. In recent weeks, however, the bubble burst and we now find ourselves in the midst of a crisis that seems daunting and, in truth, scary as hell.
Let’s be clear, the past couple of weeks, with a total lockdown of everything except essential services, have been tough. While once we could take comfort in believing that we had been successful in keeping the virus at bay, we’ve now seen a record number of cases, some very serious. It became very clear that we have a long ways to go in our fight against COVID.
Adding to the sadness and disappointment is the fact that, after a tough year of feeling trapped and depressed, we were all looking forward to a summer of freedom with less stringent rules and regulations, basically hoping to break out of the crisis in which we had been trapped since last March. Clearly, we miscalculated and misjudged this potentially deadly virus that has all but shut down our society.
And the fear, almost a constant companion with us since the spring of 2020, is now even more palpable as once again we anticipate a summer filled with anxiety and angst because, honestly, we don’t know what to expect next. Even if case numbers fall, we must remain mindful of the potential threat that could rise up on any given day and knock us to our collective knees.
Most government and health officials agree this third wave of COVID is more severe than the first two. It is more contagious, virulent and potentially more lethal. Where once it seemed the virus mostly attacked the more vulnerable in our society, such as the aged and infirm and those with existing underlying health issues, this current strain has targeted the younger, healthier population. It is worrisome, indeed.
Now, there are a number of issues we could tackle here such as the economic implications and long-term fallout of a total lockdown. There are many things to consider as people’s livelihoods and futures hang by a tenuous thread. The recovery will be long and arduous.
Then there is also debate over the need to wear masks whenever we’re out and about, and also the urgency in getting vaccines into as many arms as possible as quickly as possible. There are certainly many things to discuss, not only with both of these very serious topics but also other health issues including our mental wellbeing throughout all of this.
In fact, I could devote an entire column to any of those issues mentioned above but the truth is, we are all tired of talking about the pandemic and what it means to us. We know we have to pay attention and follow the rules as this crisis unfolds and escalates, but for our own mental health and wellbeing, we also have to think about the brighter side of things and, yes, even through all of this darkness, there is a brighter side. You just have to look for it.
I have a good friend who continues to stress that throughout this ordeal it is important to accentuate the positives. I think he’s onto something. Continuing to reside in that negative space created by the COVID crisis is not good for one’s mental health as our capacity to process the constant barrage of dark and oppressive news will reach a breaking point. To offset that mental fatigue, I think it’s time we talk about some of the positive things that we have in our lives.
There are many things for which we should all be grateful. For example, let’s be grateful that even though the pandemic took a turn for the worse, we have been fortunate that political and health care leaders here in Nova Scotia have taken charge with decisions that, while tough, were necessary to get us through this dark crisis. For the most part, their efforts were successful, as we have fared fairly well when compared to other places in the country.
But political issues aside, on a more positive note let’s just all be grateful that we reside in such a beautiful place and that while even under lockdown, we all have access to outdoor spaces that offer a reprieve from the darkness, if only for a short while.
If you are in good health and you opened your eyes this morning and put your feet on the floor, then those are many positives for which you must grateful, as many people in this world are not as fortunate. And if you are not well, then be grateful that you have access to good health care that, while it sometimes comes up short, by and large provides top quality care when needed. Many places in the world would envy what we have.
Speaking of the positives, think about those around you — your family and your friends. If you have people in your life who care for you, then there is nothing more important in this world. There are many people in our communities who are alone and isolated. That’s tough enough when times are good, because these people may be able to get out and about, but during this dark period when they are confined to their homes, their loneliness must be paramount.
If you know someone in that situation, then reach out to help him or her, even if it’s just a phone call to let them know you care. Sometimes a friendly voice can go a long way to helping to another person out of the doldrums.
It is often said that there isn’t much in life that is free but the important things come without a price tag and those are the things for which we must be grateful.
The sunshine on your face. The laughter of children. The uplifting melody of music.
The birds cheerfully chirping. The array of spring colours bursting forth following a cold winter. The cleanliness of spring showers that wash our cares away. The smell of spring flowers as their perfume fills the air. The smell of the freshly-mowed grass as it wafts through the spring air. The aroma of homemade bread right out of the oven. The thunder of the waves crashing on the shore. The spectacular hues as the sun kisses the day goodnight. The stars that wink at us from way up there on a clear night.
These are the things that money can’t buy and these are the many positives that we must accentuate, especially now.
Our lives changed dramatically when the COVID19 virus arrived here in the spring of 2020 and we’re still struggling with the many challenges that came with it. And while the future remains a mystery, the present is very clear. We all must find a way to cope with this crisis. Dwelling on the negative is not only not helpful but also not healthy.
It’s sometimes the littlest things that can get you through the day. That’s sometimes all you need. We must, to coin an old phrase that seems apropos at this time, stop and smell the flowers. That’s the view from here.
THE VIEW FROM HERE
Vernon Oickle, the author of 32 books, writes The View From Here column, which appears weekly in the South Shore Breaker.