In times of struggle our minds rebel. We think things should be different and lament them not meeting our expectations. We ruminate on the past, wondering why we didn’t see this coming, or at least prepare for it. We look to the future and see nothing but a bleak horizon, with little hope. We do everything we can to not pay attention to what is now. This is human nature.
It doesn’t have to be so. When faced with adversity we get to decide, for ourselves, how we respond. This is the freedom and beauty of what we can be capable of, if we allow ourselves. Sometimes all it takes is a simple reminder, “This is it.”
These three words remind us, in the moment, that this is what we get. We can let our worries and unrealistic expectations go. We really can. They are not serving us. These words remind us that, right now, no one owes us anything. But we owe it to ourselves and everyone else to do our best with what we have.
For the health care workers, remember that you can only be in one place at a time, doing what you can for the patient in front of you. Yes, there are others, many others. You’ll get there, when you can, with the help of your dedicated brothers and sisters in care. It may not be ideal, or up to your normal standard, but this is it. You are there because of your deep love for your fellow human beings. You are the embodiment of the human condition. Stay present, practice your craft the best way you can, stay safe, we will endure this challenge before us.
After all, this is it. This is what we get.
Be well.