To some degree, we are all ungrateful for what we have, what we have access to, and the people we love most. To truly appreciate your own life and the beautiful ups and downs that every day gives us takes most people decades (Including myself). For the wisest among us it may take years. And for a portion of the population, they never reach a state of gratitude.
During this global pandemic the true character of the people of the world has been revealed, and the majority of us have elevated our appreciation for one and other, for each day we are blessed with and for the hope of what beauty lies in the future. Unfortunately, as signaled in the preceding paragraph, some humans in the population are still not getting it. The we not me message has still not sunk in. It still does not occur to those riding the me train of thought that this issue is larger than them. It is global, national, state, and local. It affects us all. The fact is, with so many unknowns and so much future uncertainty, shouldn’t we do our best to solve the most immediate threat to society? That threat being people dying alone in hospitals. Should that not be our top priority?
It seems a lack of empathy and compassion for our fellow human beings is occurring. Empathy can be defined as the ability to understand what others are feeling. And compassion can be defined as the willingness to take action to combat and resolve tough times that others are experiencing.
My hope is that I can broaden the perspective of those that are not feeling enough empathy for what others are going through. Thus, compelling them to act on others behalf (compassion). At the time this article is written, according to data from John Hopkins University, the global COVID-19 death toll is 261,517 (May 6). That means that 261,517 people have lost their lives. Hundreds of thousands of families have unexpectedly lost a loved one; many of which did not get to say goodbye or gain closure. That millions of people doing their daily jobs have risked their lives to save others and to keep society operational in this neutral state. That in the months to come many more will either survive or share that same fate of death if we do not come together and make fact-compassion based decisions. In times of great peril, we must sacrifice for others and for the greater good.
The perspective-adding narrative in my own thoughts has evolved throughout this crisis and I aim to be flexible in my approach as new facts and policy decisions are presented. What has worked best to combat selfish thoughts or selfish actions during this time has been developing contrasts between my life and what others are experiencing. Each example is framed in a way that has compelled me to act in the sufferers best interests rather than my own best interests.
- To my knowledge, my immediate family has known only one family member or friend that has passed away from COVID-19. In contrast, I have friends in the city of Detroit that personally know 10-20 family and or friends that have passed away due to COVID-19
- Myself and my wife are employed and working during this crisis. Approximately 25% of the United States workforce is unemployed
- I have continuous access to Wi-Fi, every streaming service I could want, and vast online educational opportunities. Some families do not have access to Wi-Fi and during this crisis that affects their ability to work, to apply for new work, their children’s ability to learn at home, their ability to connect with others and their ability to seek various home entertainment options
- I have a car, electricity, running water, refrigerator-freezer, plumbing and I can go to grocery stores to get any food I need. In addition, I’ve had access to online shopping throughout this crisis. Some people do not have all these luxuries
- My job allows me to telecommute until it is absolutely necessary to work on-site. Front-line workers never stopped going to work. They have been continuously exposed for the greater good of society
- My wife and I belong to groups and work for companies that have allowed us to help others during this crisis. Some people have been furloughed indefinitely and are left with few options to contribute their skills and work ethic at this time
- At this moment I am healthy, safe and in my wife’s company. Many people are sick at home or in the hospital. Many people are more exposed to this virus than I. And many people are alone in isolation struggling to manage their mental health
ACTION REQUEST:
Using this gratitude-building technique has lifted my spirits, given me courage, and forced me to reflect, act and pray on behalf of those who are going through tougher times than I am. If you have not tried something similar, I implore you to go through this exercise. It will aide you in actively think of others and become more grateful for what you do have. As we endure this historic disruption, non-essential activities can and must be on hold. Overall, death of fellow Americans and humans of the globe is irreversible, so we must act with that at the forefront of our decision-making. Stay safe, stay humble and practice gratitude.