By Joanell Clarke
Salmon Arm, BC
Why does everything have to be a “fight”? It is so adversarial and only creates “winners” or “losers” and “us” vs. “them”.
“Fight” comes from fear. “Challenge” rests in commitment. We “become the change we wish to see.” There doesn’t have to be a “fight”. We can “be calm, kind and safe”, as Dr. Bonnie Henry says. We can change any words, thoughts and actions that may lead us from being more a part of the problem to being part of the answer.
Many changes have evolved in our lives these past months. If we come from a place of “fight”, we develop anger that leads to defiance and the attitude of, “No one can tell me what to do!” This attitude has proven only to make matters worse. We need to see the value in the change we are asked to make and commit to doing our best to assist in making a difference.
The Serenity Prayer reminds me to “Accept the things I cannot change; have the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.” It’s not easy to tell my children and grandchildren that I can’t visit them because they are working with the public and I don’t want to take the risk of becoming Infected. Yes, I feel guilty saying the “N” word, but I am responsible for my health and well being.
Watching the violent attacks from protesters on T.V. and seeing the deadly results of police brutality and racism that are featured every day, is depressing. I turn off the T.V. and all forms of Social Media to give my mind a break. I want peace and safety for all. I take the precautions needed to avoid passing on this deadly virus. That is a change I can make. I stay calm and do not let myself get caught up in the fear and anger of wanting it all to be over. I can’t change others but I can commit to being a model of change.
Fight vs Challenge in Covid-19,
Copyright © Christina Bome, 2020