Be Aware vs Beware

I think emotional clutter can be one of the biggest hindrances to a happy life. What do I mean by “emotional” clutter? I’m referring to thinking habits that lead to emotions that drain your energy and overall create feelings of sadness and learned helplessness. “Stinking thinking” is what some folks call it. And you and I spend the majority of our time in this place. If it’s negative, we are going to give more thought - even persistent thought (“Perseveration” to use a psychobabble term) to it. Versus dwelling on the positive.

Glass half full versus half empty thinking, if you will.

While I share the concern over the detriment of Covid-19, I am more concerned over the fear hijacking the minds of oh so many people. Statistically speaking, your chances of contracting Covid 19 and DYING from it, are pretty doggone small. (Oh, please don’t send me hate mail about your friend of a friend who was 19 years old and died from it. That totally sucks and is a tragedy.)

Which brings me to my title.

BE AWARE - wash your hands. Wear your mask. Keep your distance.

This is a powerful position. It is proactive, recognizes risks, and takes steps to mitigate risk.

BEWARE: Read scary headlines. Give the stink eye to everyone NOT wearing a mask. Read more scary headlines and statistics. Lose sleep.

This is a reactive position and I gotta tell you, I don’t have the bandwidth to dwell in this space long. My worrying about contracting Covid only drains me and ultimately, weakens my immune system.

Look, I get it. I have a few friends who have lost loved ones to Covid.. I also have friends who have lost their businesses and incomes due to the impact of the virus. I hurt for all of them

But I can be no good to myself or others if I am riddled with fear and anxiety over things I have no control over.

It has long been my prayer and desire to live a life with passion - not driven by fear. These days, it is a tall order. Fear is even more contagious than the most virulent of viruses.