It’s very hard to be optimistic about the future. Bad news and more bad news on the way every time we turn on the news channels or browse through the news feeds on social media. To curb the overflow of bad news, I have recently un-followed a couple of news sites. If you have been bombarded by loads of bad news, remember, you do have a choice.
The pandemic restrictions have been going on for months – social distancing, isolation, quarantine, lockdown, curfew and so on. How are we coping? The truth of the matter is: There is only so much we can take. Some have been pushed over the edge and started to show signs of mental health conditions – anxiety and depression. Even when things return to normal one day, the side effects and the aftermath will no doubt take a longer time to heal. Mental illness may will be the next big thing wrecking the world, if it has not already.
No matter how often we have been told to stay apart, we are social animals. No one can avoid all forms of human contacts altogether.
What is going forward for you?
For me, I can not control the uncontrollable. I can not be everywhere to stop people from doing stupid things. But I can be more prepared and take the necessary precautions.
Tomorrow, an inspector will come into my apartment to check the fire alarm as part of annual fire safety inspection.
When I received the inspection notice two weeks ago, I was deeply stirred by it. My anxiety simply went through the roof.
Since then, I have successfully planned out my day and put it into practice most of time. I looked busy and focused on the surface, but beneath it, I was hung up on it. I was still this crazy, anxious guy imagining the worst scenario. What if he is a carrier? What if he brings disease to me? Who knows!
On the eve of tomorrow’s inspection, as I write this, I am a lot calmer. This is how I see it now: It’s all in a day’s work. After the inspector gets the job done, I will be wiping the floor, I will be disinfecting my place, and I will be “normal” again till next time.
Our world has been turned upside down. It has been difficult for everyone. Cut yourself some slack. What if you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel? Stop for a few seconds and think about those who built the tunnel in the first place…
Take care!
Ted Tsai 