Quarantine Bloglette: Suzy Sunshine versus Doom and Gloom

I read the agony columns daily (specifically Carolyn Hax). A few weeks ago, in Carolyn Hax's on-line discussion, people wrote in that friends and acquaintances wanted them to be either more optimistic or keep their perennial cheer to themselves during the pandemic.

I think it's important to know that whether you're one of those who sees the good amidst all the suffering or can't see any relief from today's misery, you're feeling what you need to feel right now.

I think it's important for those who always want to see the good in something to not get in the way of those who see things for what they are right now. People are dying by the thousands, we should feel some anxiety and fear and sorrow and somewhat defeated. Likewise, lovers of happy endings shouldn't pretend to know that "everything is going to be alright." We don't know that.

On the other hand, if you are overwhelmed with the inconvenience of isolation, fearful of contracting the coronavirus, worried about money, lonely or see no end to this misery, try not to bring down those who need to see only the good deeds people are doing during this time.

We're in a crisis, and people are doing wonderful things. We need both outlooks because they're both truthful, and neither should be dismissive of the other. I'm hoping that one of the outcomes of this pandemic is that we will realize the importance of the role of the individual in society and not try to make others conform their role to our's.

There's a safari park in Vladivostok. We were told a story about this grey heron. It's mate was injured, and taken into the park for rehabilitation. Knowing she was there, he refused to leave her when it came time to migrate.