Making The Covid Shutdown Transformative

During the depths of the shutdown I found that writing my thoughts about the unheard-of changes to society helped my mood immensely — and I never felt more driven to write, and to share it in hopes my eccentric takes might supplement what others hear from various sources, and help them with both the obvious and subtle adjustments we know and learn might be needed in one way or another.

My notes are sufficient that I plan on a variety of topics in the coming months, such as:

1. How others might rewire their thoughts and perspectives to adapt to such major shifts.

2. Tips for interpreting media presentations of scientists and statistics.

3. Incorporating sense and intuition to help sift through confusing or missing statements or actions.

4. Dealing with the discomfort of more subtle pressures — “first-world problems” or vague thoughts that one may be missing something — than those of more pressing situations.

5. How philosophies and advice might look different than before recent difficulties, be they the conventionally sunny “Law Of Attraction” promises, more cynical aphorisms, traditional religion we may be biased toward or against, or writers known for their unique slants, such as Vernon Howard (proverb master), Harry Browne (former presidential candidate) or Marianne Williamson (both).

6. What sacrifices are we willing, or driven, to make for civil rights — free speech, health care, oppression, or feeding our families?

I am well aware of medium.com guidelines regarding not spreading conspiracy theories or advising acting against official recommendations, but this doesn’t change the fact that readers’ concerns — or those of friends and family — may stem from wondering about such things, or not trusting experts to have answers.

The effects of the shutdown will be felt long into the future by many, be they children forming early ideas of the world or those experiencing economic upheaval or doubts about leadership and media. Considering complex angles and finding the threads and relationships among the chaos has come naturally to me and pushed me to share like never before.

This image was included to brighten our thoughts during this time — and beyond. I removed a word that I learned might come across differently than intended when I created it, and it wasn’t feasible to similarly construct another — but you might find more satisfaction in making up one that is meaningful to you — and the aberration might be a memory aid if you find the image useful.