Day 22 – Lock Down Diaries

Day 22 – Lock Down Diaries

 

THE SAME BOAT, SHIP OR OCEAN 

I did not write this – but I can not think of words to more accurately describe what I feel.

 

WE ARE NOT IN THE SAME BOAT

“I keep hearing that everyone is in the same boat. But it’s really not like that. We are in the same storm yes, but we are not in the same boat.
Your ship can be shipwrecked and mine cannot. U may have a fishing boat.. Or a fancy cruise liner.. Or vice versa. For some, quarantine is optimal and full of moments of reflection, of reconnection and peace. Life is easy in flip flops, with a glass of Coke or wine or a cup of tea in hand.

For others, this is a desperate crisis. For others it is facing real loneliness. For some it means peace, rest time and a bit of a holiday. For others, this is torture as they wonder how they are going to pay their bills? Others were concerned about the bread for the weekend and if the pasta will last for a few more days. Some were in their “home office” doing all can to protect the company they work for and still do an honest days work from home.

Others are looking through rubbish bins to survive.  Some want to go back to work because they are running out of money but in the same breathe they worried about a virus and they have questions about it. Others want to kill those who break the quarantine.

Some need to break the quarantine to stand in a queue at the supermarket. Others just really want to escape. Others criticize the government for the queue at the shop and for all the uncertainty. Some have faith in God and are patiently praying and waiting for miracles in 2020. Others say the worse is yet to come and that’s probably our reality. Truth is life as we knew it before is gone. So, friends, we are not in the same boat.

We are going through a time when our perceptions and needs are completely different. And each one will emerge, in his/her own way, from that storm.
Some with a tan from their pool. Others with scars on the soul. It is very important to see beyond what is seen at first glance. Not just looking, more than looking, actually seeing.

See beyond the political party, beyond religion, beyond the nose on your face. Do not underestimate the pain of others if you do not feel it.

Do not judge the good life of others, do not condemn the bad life of others. Just don’t be a judge. Let us not judge the one who lacks, as well as the one who exceeds him.  We are on different ships and all looking to survive. Let everyone navigate their route with respect, empathy and responsibility. Stop the judgment and please just be kind. We all want to survive.” Written by Nicki Peverett

I pray that people will start to cut each other some slack. Remove the masks and get real with themselves and with other. This is not the time for personal games and avoidance behaviour. It’s a time of personal introspection, growth and a purge of the old, unserving habits.  Be kind to yourself, be kind to others, but be real.

Nowestay.