LIFE SUPPORT

By Doris AC Johnson

The year 2020 has birthed many challenges. COVID 19 is the mother of them all. This virus has affected everyone across the nation whether you are mourning the loss of a friend or family member or contracted it yourself. Two of my family members had it and it is with God’s grace that they survived. Many were not so blessed. The coronavirus has been at the helm of the closure of many businesses due to the lack of patrons and/or sealing the spread. We lost our jobs leaving us to stand in food lines and rely on state assistance and unemployment. No gyms, beauty salons, barbershops, sports activities, restaurants with drive-thru only and curbside service, and limited entry to the market. Many doctor’s appointments were completed by zoom. Many of us took precautions by quarantining, leaving us to stay away from our family to protect them and ourselves. Air travel was limited or shut down to decrease the spread of the virus. I wore gloves. We are still wearing masks. There was a shortage of hand sanitizer, gloves, and meat. I have no idea why people were stocking up on tissue. Some shelves were and are empty again as we move into the second phase of the virus. Online schooling is required as many teachers and students tested positive for the virus. It has been a feat to adjust our lives during the pandemic. Let me explain.

A stock photo of a Nurse preparing a vaccination

I, like most people, we’re able to focus on our goals and realize our potential. I re-evaluated my relationships. The first insight began with me. I stepped outside of myself and looked inside of myself and looked in my resolution mirror. I recognized the changes I need to make. These changes were not completely negative. I learned to embrace myself. I re-learned the importance of loving, appreciating, and valuing my family and families. On the flip side, it occurred to me that it would be to my benefit to cut loose the ties to people that I raised my eyebrow at when they came to mind.

Years ago, I had a friend that said to me that every relationship I had should add something to my life whether it is good advice or laughter. He told me this fifteen years ago. The words resounded in my soul and gave me the nourish MEANT to cut some off like split ends. The quietness of the quarantine helped me to recap the relationships and see and hear what I need to do. Although I lost a few friends, I gained a few along the way. No tears cried or sleep lost because the burden was lifted. Before now, I was doing chest compressions and mouth to mouth on relationships that had gone into cardiac arrest. I then saw all my efforts were like blowing air into a balloon with a hole in it. I am not perfect, but I looked behind me a few times and tried to cut the air supply back on…no more oxygen, so I pulled the plug. Some were dead on arrival…I just did not see it, but not this time. To put it in layman’s terms, sometimes you must bury the shit and let it die. My new year resolution for 2021 is to leave the remnants of 2020 behind. HAPPY NEW YEAR! Cheers to infinite possibilities!