COVID-19 is unique in that it is simultaneously resulting in trauma to us collectively, and to many of us as individuals in how we are hit directly by it. It’s poking at grief, gratitude, and guilt concurrently. And because the ramifications of it are still in process, the cumulative losses and gains are immeasurable and unknown.
Knowing how to weather hardship is a skill that we often only cultivate it while in the throes of crisis. Fortunately, others have walked this path and left in their wake maps to ease our way. Common humanity assures us that we are not alone in our suffering, and maintaining tragic optimism leaves space for both hope and sorrow, a critical stance to assume when running headlong into heartbreak.