To Be Human

What a ride to be human in America right now.

Living through a pandemic feels like a confusing, nightmarish version of Groundhog Day.

Each person has an invisible barbell,

Fit for an Olympian,

Sitting on their shoulders.

Life feels extra heavy.

Our country is isolated into groups with opposing agendas,

And the competition is steep.

The divide between us has never felt wider to me.

Every day I become more acutely aware of

The canyon edges we all walk.

We are playing charades, subtly hinting at the weight we carry,

Wondering if the world around us will notice.

Basic tasks feel meaningless

In a world where nothing seems to make any sense.

Perpetual attacks on our nervous systems

Arrest us in fight or flight.

And I’m at home, being taunted nonstop

By the pantry and the refrigerator.

Sure, I’ll have a bowl of cereal and some chocolate chips.

Why the hell not?

The mundane tasks seem to be mocking me.

I paid my bills yesterday.

The small plastic trophy I’m owed

Will arrive in the mail (eventually, like everything else),

And I shall promptly add it to my impressive trophy case of

Accomplished menial tasks.

Kidding. Obviously.

Does anything we are doing really even matter?

Having children lends itself to mania and magic every single day.

Maybe we ought to celebrate small victories.

Eyes opened up this morning?

Heart still beating?

Lungs still breathing?

GOOD FOR YOU!

Kids fed?

Animals fed?

Brush your teeth?

GOOD FOR YOU!

I know you called that friend or family member you’ve been thinking about.

Okay maybe it was a text.

STILL: It’s GREAT, YOU’RE great.

You showed them they matter.

You matter too.

The definition for hero is:

A person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.

Well, I for one think it takes a lot of courage

To go to the grocery store and have a joyful conversation about the sale on apples (or WHATever)

With a person on the other side of the mask debate than you are.

It feels like an outstanding achievement

To wake up in the morning with hope in your heart

And press on through the day,

Making as much positive impact in your corner of the world that you can.

If you remain committed to what matters most to you,

You still maintain hope,

And you are trying to allow peace to settle in your life,

Despite the mania of the world you live in,

YOU, my friend, are of noble qualities.

And I Admire You.

Do you know what this means?

You’re a hero.

Yeah, you.

Showing up on the front lines of your life.

Everyday.

HIGH FIVE.