2021 WINTER ISSUE | CHOICES 19
SEEKING THE POSITIVE
DURING COVID-19 BY JOAN S. PECK
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any of us are sitting with ourselves, trying to figure out the best way to fill our time now that any normal routine seems to be out of the question. We live in such turmoil and with impossible situations today that are beyond our control, for the most part! During COVID-19, some doctors and nurses have been called upon to choose between patients to receive needed care. First responders, not often recog-
nized, include all those who offer everyday services, such as food clerks, post office personnel, garage disposal workers, Uber and bus drivers, and so many more—all at risk. We are asked not to socialize with others or to do so with restrictions. That alone isn’t easy since socialization is a huge necessity for most human beings’ mental health. We are asked not to be personally affronted when another person refuses to wear a mask. Those people selfishly call it their personal free-
dom not to wear them, while others, like me, take it as an offensive sign that they don’t care whether they spread the disease to me or anyone else. And I won’t even get into the divided politics—the accusations, the lies, loss of civility, and more! So, where does that leave us? With the self-isolation required to keep safe and COVID free, we’re forced to consider where we are in life. Our economy is taking such a hit, and the majority of us
