There's nothing wrong with being afraid. There are so many unknowns, so many uncertainties. For some of us, this pandemic is the first world crisis we've experienced as adults. It's okay to not be okay.
Recently, I listened to this podcast by TED en Español, titled "Lo que aprendí sobre el miedo durante mi secuestro," given by Íngrid Betancourt. She was the Colombian presidential candidate who was kidnapped by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia on February 23, 2002. She remained in captivity for six years. If you're interested in learning more about her story, she actually wrote a book about it.
In the podcast, she mentions that her kidnapping was the first time she felt real fear. She also gives a list of three things she believes got her through her fear. Obviously a kidnapping and a global pandemic don't necessarily go hand in hand, but fear is fear.
1. Let your principles guide you.
Yes, viruses are scary, and you don't want people to touch you or come near you. You also want to make sure you have enough supplies that allow you to be away from people as much as possible. However, being rude and hoarding are hopefully not principles you live by. A virus doesn't mean "screw your neighbor."
2. Learn to unite.
We're all in this together. Essential workers are not "better" than non-essential workers. We shouldn't be "yelling" at people to stay the "f" inside. It's just not effective. Ignorance and need are two reasons why some might not stay inside. Identify which reason it is and then address it, all while protecting and caring for those who are the most vulnerable.
3. Have faith.
There is a distinction between being faithful and being unrealistic. There's a difference between praying without taking action and praying while also taking action. I've often found myself spiraling in the "what-ifs." I'm not going to give you a panic attack by revealing them all to you. However, we shouldn't be looking at this as the "new normal." This is a "temporary normal." It'll only become permanent if we lose sight of life without the pandemic.
"Obviamente el miedo es contagioso pero la fé también lo es."
- Íngrid Betancourt
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