By Charlie Hodge
Three tiny words often overused or dramatized. Today, however, the three little words have become a reality imperative. A mantra for survival
If we truly hope to see the other side of this virus-plague we must immediately comprehend and embrace the truth. These are not normal times – in fact they parallel the science-fiction books and movies we digested in high school.
Many of us eventually moved on after digesting and enjoying such great works of literature and screen to laughing or mocking at their former terror impact – believing such nightmares would never really happen to us. Others became scarred for life convinced all was lost, the sky was falling, or that some corrupt government or evil plot was going to cause our downfall. Doomsday and conspiracy theorists blossomed.
Regardless the themes and plots of those sci-fi nightmares and ‘how we got there’, mankind almost always ‘survived’ to some degree – finding the solution, answer, elixir of life… at the last moment.
The same will happen with our current crises.
But not without our willingness to let it happen.
Our new reality, how well we survive, how quickly we are free of this disease – directly connects to our actions; how we deal with this, how real we get with ourselves and each other.
Accepting the fact you are not more immune than others, that it can happen to you (and thereby the others you are in contact with) is what is needed. Adapting means no ego or arrogance of denial about the severity that stares us in the face. None of us are immune. If Coronavirus can hit Prince Charles, Sophie Trudeau, and other healthy or wealthy in the lands then we are targets as well. Despite the rumours the disease does not ‘target’ seniors. Everyone can get it.
What we do know is that it spreads by contact. So, ironically one of the best things you can do to protect yourself is nothing. Stay home, stay warm, stay positive.
When we read those sci-fi books in school most of us never truly imagined having to one day hermit down and survive on our own. Well, here we are. Certainly not as cataclysmic as a war or apocalyptic saga – we still have power, food, electricity for computers and TV, heat, refrigeration… However it does mean huge changes in lifestyle. It’s another reminder of appreciating what you had.
Now is time to take stock of what you have – and be thankful. And positive.
Let’s hope today is not training camp for more, nastier times ahead.
In order to stay alive we must look after ourselves first. To do also means not putting anyone else at risk. Even Gretzky or McDavid would have a tough time stick handling such a challenge. It is not easy. No wonder so many of us are now starting to get board, angry or in denial. All the more reason to be adamant and decisive in our self control.
Survival also depends on you defending your own health or those of your family or friends by not allowing others around you to leave the house. They are not immune either and do not have the right to risk the lives around them. We must awkwardly both abandon and follow the tenants of myopic or selfish thinking and habits.
So let’s try and find some sunshine to our cloudy days.
One of the positive things about everyone being stuck at home – at least you know you are not missing anything
And consider how many free, personal concerts you get to watch on the computer or TV. It is heartening to see so many talented artists around the world performing from their porches, living rooms, kitchens… I am particularly enjoying tunes posted by local musicians. Wonderful stuff.
You get to work from home on your computer with just pyjamas on from waste down. Or perhaps … oh never mind.
You also have more time get around to doing those things you never had time or chance to do.
Or you could read me. Check out past HodgePodge columns at the online version of the Capital News or Gonzo Okanagan.
There you are a few tips to get you by until next week.
