Emergency Room congestion, long waits, over-stressed front line nursing staff, doctors who can’t seem to take enough time to find out what’s REALLY going on with patients because they see so many in the course of a day. These are but a few of the problems plaguing our hospitals and they are not new problems; they’ve been simmering for decades. Tragically, COVID cases have blown everything wide open.
We can be part of the solution by being more thoughtful about our behaviour and less combative with others as they try to do their job. Properly wearing a mask cannot be stressed enough. It’s vital to cover both the mouth and the nose and not have an ill fitting mask barely hanging over the upper lip. Just stop that at once. You are not being helpful. In fact, you set a bad example to young people around you who depend on you for guidance. Defiant tantruming toddler like behaviour in adults is not a good look. Know that! People you know may see you at your worst without you being aware and opinions of you will change. Don’t be that person.
By nature, some people are worriers, working themselves into states of unwellness fixating on what might happen. Take a breath and relax. If you’re vaccinated, followed booster protocols, wearing a mask and socially distancing, you’re on track doing the right things for you and for those around you.
If you are feeling sniffly, holing up with a few favourite books and movies, pushing fluids and resting may be all that is required to turn things around. Common sense must guide us with thoughtful practices that respect everyone. In need of our utmost respect and positive regard are the medical professionals who care for us, putting their own lives at risk each and every day. Sadly, risk factors have skyrocketed because of far too many self-absorbed posturing with a ME attitude that is dangerous.
COVID has created far too many bullies using their words and actions as bats. Accountability, in the form of huge fines and not slaps on the wrist, with potential job loss for behaviour that is clearly criminal, must be part of the policing practices put in place to protect everyone. It’s long past time. Not a day goes by that we’re not seeing coverage of assaults, often on airplanes, in restaurants, in grocery stores. COVID is going to be around far longer than it might have been and has to be because of the oppositional behaviour of people who really don’t see beyond the tip of their nose. That’s a huge problem for everyone around them.
We can be COVID conscious on the street where we live by being good neighbours, assisting those who have trouble meeting the demands and challenges of daily living. With mask properly worn, check in on home-alone neighbours. That act of common decency goes a long way to improving the lives of the isolated. Make no mistake. You and what you do matter.
Exercising common sense also improves mental health as it brings into focus the ‘rules of the road’ some have let slide. ME people insistent on dining out but not following protocols put in place by restaurants should be ashamed of themselves. Screaming at strangers isn’t always about venting and must not be ignored.
If you’re embarrassed and even remorseful about the you you’ve become during these COVID times, a new year with lots of days ahead is an opportunity make changes. Do you want to?
Being aware of how our behaviour affects others and endeavouring to self-correct is part of our own healing and growth. If we are to find peace in the coming COVID days and months, we must accept that we have to be part of the solution and not a continued thorn in the side of those who are trying to help us recover a world that once again is meaningful and productive for everyone. Each of us has something to bring to our community to reawaken the lost joy in even the small things. COVID makes it challenging, certainly, but it doesn’t make it impossible. We’ve got this!
Carla MacInnis Rockwell is a freelance writer and disability rights advocate living outside Fredericton, NB with Miss Lexie, a rambunctious Maltese and Mr. Malcolm, a boisterous Havanese. She can be reached via email at Carla MacInnis Rockwell
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