Remember that Change is Possible
MEDICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH UPDATE
"Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time." - Ruth Bader Ginsburg
The news of her death on Friday felt like a gut punch. "Our nation has lost a justice of historic stature," Chief Justice John Roberts said Friday. "We at the Supreme Court have lost a cherished colleague. Today we mourn but with confidence that future generations will remember Ruth Bader Ginsburg as we knew her, a tireless and resolute champion of justice.”
Part of her greatness stemmed from her ability to lead despite adversity and to effect change when change didn’t seem possible. She inspired us to think beyond ourselves—like when she remarked: "But if you want to be a true professional, you will do something outside yourself…something that makes life a little better for people less fortunate than you."
Losing this cultural icon and champion of equal rights is enormously tragic. For many of us, her death also adds to our sense of vulnerability during an already volatile and uncertain time.
Particularly in crisis, we look for steady, calm leadership. We rely more than ever on figures like RBG to give us strength. Her life embodied courage and grace. Her mere existence was hopeful.
Indeed, the pandemic has heightened our sense of vulnerability. The virus’ invisibility, asymptomatic spread and ubiquity are uniquely traumatizing. The absence of fully safe spaces, the possibility of further outbreaks, and the tragic realities broadcast into our living rooms promote further fear.
But remember, while it doesn’t always feel this way, we do have quite a lot of control over the trajectory of the pandemic. Our own choices and behaviors can truly prevent community spread of the virus. By wearing a mask we are protecting ourselves and others. We can create safe spaces by spending time outdoors. We can avoid indoor spaces and crowds. As mundane as it sounds, washing your hands is exerting control over this virus.
We can work on soothing our anxiety, staying in the present moment, and avoiding the urge to catastrophize about the future. Earlier this month I advised tossing out your crystal ball to focus on what you can actually control.
We can promote calm by taking breaks from screens, limiting our media inputs, and following facts. Believe in science and experts who respect it.
On a very practical level, you can get a flu shot to protect yourself and others. (My influenza FAQs are HERE.) We are absolutely capable of reducing the potential damage of what some are forecasting as a “Twindemic” (flu and COVID together) if we remain vigilant with the very same behaviors that mitigate COVID risk.
Lastly, we can use this moment to think about how WE could author our own stories right now, get back in the driver’s seat of our health and well-being, and take control over the parts of our lives that we can control. It’s possible. We are wired for survival, people!
Just look at the lives of legends like John Lewis and Ruth Bader Ginsburg. While we mourn their loss, we can also take comfort in the permanence of their legacy.
Let’s use this moment of sorrow to look for other inspiring leaders in our neighborhoods, communities, towns, and schools. That may include you!
It’s true: when we lean into our discomfort and dare to face unpleasant feelings—and then tackle individual and societal problems head-on—miracles can happen. Why do you think I go to work every day? Regular people are infinitely brave and resilient. That includes you and me.
To summarize:
It’s normal to feel scared and vulnerable, particularly as we face yet another loss.
Fear does more damage when we give it a home and feed it.
You have more control over your day-to-day existence than you think.
In addition to wearing a mask, social distancing, and handwashing, basic self-care is essential for preventing the physical and emotional health consequences of life in a pandemic.
Change is possible. Start slow, and set small, achievable goals for yourself. RBG showed us the way.
I will check in later this week. Until then, be well.