WE ARE ALL “NOT IN THE SAME BOAT”

Here’s something to think about as we move into the month of May under quarantine. The effects of this pandemic have hit each and everyone different. For some it’s business as usual if there employment falls under “essential workers”. For others like myself, whose business has been completely shut down, we have felt the brunt of losing our way of living in a matter of months. I’ve had over 15 cancelations and countless rescheduled events all the way up to June! I’m pretty sure many weren’t prepared for this financially, emotionally, health wise and have experienced in some form or other the mental health fatigue that comes with this unexpected experience. We thrive on interaction and social connections, so the thought of the effort and changes we’ve had to make to adjust to this way of living (for now) is going to have it negative effects on all. Remember this, not all of us are in the same boat. I came across this recently and thought it would help bring perspective to some of us.

We are in the same storm, but not in the same boat. Your ship could be shipwrecked and mine might not be. Or vice versa.

For some, quarantine is ideal. For some this is a moment of reflection, of re-connection, working from home in flip-flops, reading a good book with some coffee, for others, this is a desperate financial & family crisis.

For some that live alone they’re facing endless loneliness (or they are now spending this time with an abuser or addict or dealing in an ongoing family conflict.) While for others it is peace, rest & time with their mother, father, sons & daughters.

With the $600 weekly increase in unemployment some are bringing in more money to their households than when they were working. Others are working more hours for less money due to pay cuts or loss in sales.

Some families of four just received $3,400 from the stimulus while other families of four saw nothing come in.

Some were concerned about the long lines at food stores while others were concerned if there would be enough bread, milk and eggs for the weekend.

Some want to go back to work because they don’t qualify for unemployment and are running out of money. Others have the luxury of staying put because they were better prepared than others.

Some are home spending 4-5 hours a day helping their child with online schooling while others are spending 4-5 hours a day to educate their children on top of a 10-12 hour workday.

Some have experienced near death because of the virus, some have already lost someone from it and some are not sure if their loved ones are going to make it. Others don’t believe this is a big deal.

Some have faith in God and expect miracles during this 2020. Others say the worst is yet to come.

So, friends, we are not in the same boat. We are going through a time when our perceptions and needs are completely different. Don’t judge me or others’ because we see different, think different, react different, believe different and want different.

Each of us will emerge, in our own way, from this storm. I hope we all come out with a lesson learned, whether it is to better prepare financially for an uncertain future or whether it’s to make peace with one another because tomorrow is not promised. It is very important to see beyond what we are seeing at first glance. Actually seeing and understanding the different emotional social effects this will have on us all. We are all on different ships during this storm and we are all experiencing a very different journey in our own ways. Stay encouraged.