The Antidote to Fear
- Ryan Bresnahan
- May 14, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: May 14, 2020
Ah. As we all know, the Corona Virus is here and among us. Creeping around like invisible dust, or poison that can flow into our lungs at any second. Oh my gosh! I will state, I am NO expert on the virus, nor do claim to be. But are we getting affected by more than just COVID-19 itself?
Think of a time in your life where someone you knew around you was sick at work, home, or a friend that kept sniffling and said "it's my allergies". How did you feel when you were around them? What were you focused on as they came to close for comfort around you, or they sneezed without covering their mouth!
"I better not get sick" or "Go home, get away from me!".
These are valid points and I would agree with that. Get away from me if you are sick is my usual thought process! Now what happens the next day when that friend has "allergies" and was around you..? You wake up with the SAME "ALLERGIES" that they had!
Furthermore, now that everyone could be a possible carrier of COVID-19, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), by being "asymptomatic", shouldn't we view everyone as a potential sick person?
What do you think?
Do you think this is only a temporary thing? Talking to someone 6 feet away, and God forbid, if they come close to you to shake your hand..! Now that I think about it, when was the last time you shook someones hand..?
When was the last time you saw a stranger and didn't calculate in your head the probability of them being sick, or "don't take a step closer, weirdo" mindset?
As safe as it is to be abiding by the guidelines set out for us, is this something that we can keep up forever? Looking at our neighbors with a smile, but deep under, thinking there may be something wrong with them and they can affect us in a negative way if they get too close?
I will slap you in the face if you try to hug me right now, because one, being sick is not fun; and two there are common non-negotiable detriments to contracting this virus. No one wants to get sick, or more commonly, their family or loved ones sick from going out of the house and unknowingly pick up the virus.
However, is there a possibility that another virus, a hidden pandemic is feeding on the current COVID-19 crisis? Something more ominous, easily transmitted, especially infectious, and preventing you from living how you used to? (No Ryan! Please no more social isolation in this dang house!)
What could this other audacious, disruptive Monster be?
It's a four letter word that starts with a F,
Most people think it, but never say it.
No, not that one,
FEAR!
What comes to mind when you see this word, when you hear it? What do people do when they are scared usually? Think in movies; do they look like they are enjoying what's happening? Do you think they are acting in their best interest, or do they sometimes make some pretty bad (let's be real, stupid) decisions..?
Now bring it back to reality here, 2020.
If you are reading this, you have access to a computer or a smart phone, which is really a computer in your pocket! You have all the information in the world at your fingertips (can sometimes be a good thing, or information overload!), your friends and and loved ones information and way of contact, all stored away in this device. You may have access to food delivery service, grocery stores, or your own food production. If you produce your own food, wow! You are ahead of the rest of us!
I think it is pretty evident from the stores being bought out, that we all have our hands on some soap and cleaning supplies. Pun intended.
I think if this were a scary movie, at least we would have a gun and magic bullets to fight back with, or in this case, a lysol spray canister. Maybe we do have something that can let us stand up out from under the table, something that can allow us to have some courage, call the villain out, and then shoot them down, just like the audience wanted.
Maybe some of these "superpowers" are the things listed above, or maybe some that you have in particular.
I think if we were in a movie, our best chance of survival (or from looking stupid), would be to share and use these superpowers to benefit the group of people being chased by Michael Meyers. Who do you think are the group of people that you are with in the movie? Would you still share the superpowers if it meant better chance of survival, even if you didn't know everybody with you? How would it make you feel if everyone around you had a gun to "fight back with?"
Now,
What are some superpowers that you can find within yourself during this scene of life?
As you are coming up with answers, powers to add to your arsenal or if you prefer, 1970's themed Batman tool belt, what role do you think language plays in our ability to tap into our ability to heat ray vision doubt or fear?
How many times have you seen or heard the word pandemic, crisis, or sick recently?
Even in this article, fear was mentioned three times, sick was mentioned nine times, crisis and pandemic twice each!
Think about how this might be turning your tool belt equipped with "batarangs", explosive grenades, and laser torch (yes, look it up), into a belt too big, with an airhorn, whistle, and can of SPAM. Useless!
It is now time to put the cape on. Become your own superhero, the character who stands up to and defeats the villain, the person who has hope, joy, and gratitude on their side to win!
Ryan Bresnahan
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