The Silver Lining

It probably goes without saying that today's world is stressful. Climate change, global pandemic, social injustice, political unrest, unemployment, and a controversial plan for educating the young are just a few of the worries plaguing our society. Americans are scared, worried, and uneasy - and rightfully so.

On the brink of my 25th birthday, I certainly did not expect to not only be prevented from going inside establishments for fear of getting sick, but to also be prevented from going outside of closed doors for fear of over-exposure to the smoke from fires burning across the West Coast. Quarter-life milestone and all I want for my birthday is to open my front door and slam an IPA at a run-down bar. And let's just say, if you'd have met me in college, that would be a shocking statement.

But maybe that's the point of this whole debacle. Maybe we are being handed this insane, uncanny hardship for a reason, Perhaps it's not a hardship afterall. Perhaps it's the next great enlightenment. I know personally, I've never endured more emotional, vulnerable, honest conversations as I have over these past eight months. 

Heck, during a virtual team meeting at work this week, a woman burst into tears revealing how overwhelmed and dispirited she is in the world. Authentic, wet tears dripped down her face as she asked the team of 30 individuals to be patient with her this week. Back in June, I had my first conversation about race and social injustice directly, face-to-face with a person of color. Diving deep into the differences in our life experiences based on the color of our skin. And this person was a friend of mine. Someone I feel close to and share much of my life with. A massive wave of grief and shame flooded over me after this incredible conversation because I hadn't had it sooner. Sitting with those kinds of realizations, coupled with my inability to perform much of the rituals that make me feel in control, is one of the biggest blessings I will take from 2020. I was forced to face things I didn't know how to face before. And I think the same goes for all humanity during this time.

The world seems very dark right now, but there's two sides to every story. When the days become monotonous, circumstances seem to be getting worse, and there's not much to look forward to, always try to find that alternative perspective, the silver lining. It's out there. And once you find it, share it with the world so we can process it together.