I saw that too,
@Justmehere - the Easter Bunny is an essential worker :laugh: Whew! :tup: . I feel in good company. :inlove: :laugh: (As a funny aside- a few days ago I had a MASSIVE bunny in my back yard, not pregnant looking, just BIG, bigger than my dog's stuffed tiger. :eek: Looked everywhere for chocolate- too well hidden. ;) Went to get my phone for a pic, and as to be expected he was nowhere in sight.. :) )
Making yourself out to be small and unworthy doesn’t save a single life. Your needs matter. Period.
Thank you, I understand what you mean, prob didn't explain well, I don't have any issue being small. And good (well, 'better') mental health and reality is flexible/ shifts with the circumstances. And tbh, knowing what it's like to be in need, in various ways, people need help when they need help. But yes, maybe I can't do much but I can do something, even if it's to try to put my thoughts or prayers outside myself, or suffering alongside. JMHO.
But you're likely right, can't always ignore what's harmful or difficult for your own self, and I was told yesterday no it's not selfish/ ~ok to try to get help.
I have a friend who is super depressed but talked recently about how he joins in the fight by doing good self care so he can avoid getting sick and isn’t taking up another hospital bed. He said he thinks of every solitary hike on remote trails, every trip avoided in public, every phone call for mutual support, as a way he can support his city fighting the virus, and he’s damn right. It may not be as *glamorous* as someone shoving a ventilator down someone’s throat to keep them away from death, but I’d argue it’s just as valuable. Even if somehow you did catch it, but are delaying catching it and helping yourself and others be as strong as they can be emotionally to get through it.
I think that's great.
The “small acts” of getting through a crisis like this are actually exactly how people do it well throughout history. You may not be on the “front lines” but you are certainly helping the cause.
@rightkindofme totally agree with
@Justmehere above. Please do not feel guilty. And there's nothing good or glamorous about suffering or even trying to meet needs, no matter whether giving or receiving. (In fact you've done exactly what they recommend if possible: try to pick up just a little over each shopping trip; re-use; recycle; be thankful for what is there. And many workers care deeply, yes, but still for eg need PPE realizing it does no good to make others, their loved ones, or themselves sick; it's not heroic to have to work without the tools needed to keep them, others and their loved ones safe, and not helpful to reduce spread. And I'm sure they want to get through this with the least deaths and harm possible asap. ) Just thankful for you for what you can be spared, as I hope for all of us and who we love and who they love and the most vulnerable and the world in general. You've had plenty of suffering, never mind, and therefore likely more empathetic than most to other's. Being compassionate and supportive emotionally is just as important, because what show's on the outside (bodies) is part of a much bigger whole (heart, mind, soul). One less suffering person or people with this is a victory and a grace. :hug::hug:
Someone asked a researcher here, if everyone in the world could remain in for 2 weeks would that effectively reduce the virus' spread exponentially? And they said, yes, but they could never get the world to do it. :(