Stress is an important element in designing, manufacturing, architecture and such.
When it comes to emotions and health, it can cause damage. With anxiety and stress levels spiking during this year of COVID, “What a year!” is often heard, (Often accompanied by a few choice descriptive adjectives added in.)
Here in B.C., a state of emergency was declared on March 17. With our neighbour Seattle experiencing a serious breakout two weeks before us, we took it seriously giving us a leg up proportionately speaking. Yes, it has been a tough slog. We did what was asked of us, numbers eased along with restrictions and anxiety levels. Then the momentum of this second bigger wave broke upon us.
“Will this ever end?” and “I think it may be here to stay!” are often heard.
So settle in and wrap your mind around the reality that we all lost a year to COVID-19. Thousands are losing all their future years. We have been through 8.5 months of these trying times. Now turn that perspective around — this means that we still have 3.5 months to ride this ‘pandemic year’ out! Think of it as our new Christmas! “How many more sleeps till?”
By March 17th 2021, we will, whatever the lay of the land at that point, be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Reflecting back on this makes these hardships seem infinite. If we look forward, we see a finite amount of time.
It is a matter of the perspective one exercises.
Allow me another perspective on this bizarre year. A year can be a long time. This one takes the cake. Now instead think back in terms of the evolution of mankind. Worldwide those are massive numbers. How will we and our collective actions be seen when history looks back. Did we roll up our sleeves and step up to the plate? Or did we receive our collective comeuppance?
And if you still have a hard time with “The Year,” look south. They had to live through those Four Years!
Cases in Canada doubled in November. Don’t lose community perspective now. Remember how heartening it was (and dare I say fun) to make all that racket with pots and pans. We demonstrated togetherness and respect.
Provincial Celebration St. Patrick’s Day 2021! (I’m counting how many more sleeps.)
Play safe. Share ideas that ease our community anxiety. Be proud Canadians!
D’Arcy McCrea
Brackendale
