OPINION IT’S OKAY TO STILL BE HAPPY during a global pandemic written, designed, and illustrated by Toni Shindler-Ruberg Good news outlets such as John Th e United States has over 1.8 million confi rmed coronavirus cases, accounting for almost one-third of all cases worldwide. Th e Class of 2020 will graduate online. People have lost jobs, taken pay cuts, or continue to endanger their own lives to help others, whether they be janitors, healthcare professionals, or store clerks. It’s easy to fall into an endless cycle of waking up, checking the news, refreshing the news, and going to sleep. Th ere are some people who believe everybody must react to crises in the same way—with shock, fear, and allencompassing pessimism. You or people around you may be experiencing fear, anxiety, or restlessness. Some may be smiling while others cry. Remember, seeing the light during diffi cult situations is not the same as making light of or making fun of them. Th is is not a productivity competition, this is a global pandemic. Give yourself and others space and freedom to grieve, celebrate, be anxious, or have fun. People are entitled to their emotions. We deserve to be happy, starting by appreciating what we can, when we can. Th ere is a new level of awareness and empathy, recognition of underserved and underrecognized voices and communities. Essential workers are being recognized and celebrated as being the many supporting fi gures in society. Krasinski’s Some Good News on Youtube or Tank’s Good News on Instagram off er a break from the bleak news cycle. Athome late-night talk shows provide a humanizing and refreshing view of some of our favorite entertainers. If you’re working, do your best to stay safe and know you are doing an invaluable service to society. If you’re staying home, try to take a break from obsessively refreshing infection statistics, put on a clean pair of jeans, and take a walk around the block. Reach out to a friend or a family member you haven’t talked to in a while, start a new book series, pick up a new hobby, or follow an M-A related Instagram account to stay connected with your classmates. Appreciate the ability to stay home when others cannot. But most of all, take a moment to refl ect. How can we continue the good work, the spirit of global unity and empathy, and positive lifestyle changes we’ve made so far? In other words, how can we increase “positivity sustainability?” Th e positives right now shouldn’t be limited to times of global crises. Global air emissions have reduced dramatically. CNN reports, “Major cities that suff er from the world’s worst air pollution have seen reductions of deadly particulate matter by up to 60% from the previous year, during a three-week lockdowns period.” Th e reduction in global pollution is amazing, but it’s a temporary fi x. Banning cars and shutting down major factories and production plants is unsustainable; these sunny blue skies are at the expense of jobs, transportation, and lives. Th is dramatic environmental change highlights the lack of legislature 20 to reduce pollution and global warming. Although temporary, fewer emissions are a positive side eff ect of quarantining, and we’re allowed to recognize the positive things that are happening around us. However, if we want to emerge from quarantine into smogfree air, we also should take this time to examine specifi c ecological benefi ts and re-evaluate our lifestyles and global conservation eff orts in order to maintain these positive changes. Well-placed optimism and positivity go a long way to making this time bearable. But happiness is not an excuse to ignore the seriousness of the situation, be racist, or risk the health of yourself and others. Happiness is not an excuse to stop washing your hands or break social distancing protocols to blow off cabin-fever. Happiness during the coronavirus pandemic means appreciating the small details and celebrating the things you can control. Since we are limited in our ability to socialize, we can learn to appreciate our interactions with our friends and family even more and continue that appreciation after the pandemic is over. It’s okay to see the good in society right now. We should approach life during this time with cautious optimism and meaningful positivity. We must grab onto these glimmers of hope as motivation for improvement. Th e light in the shadows of these times is an opportunity to learn, grow, and sustain positive changes. After your next impromptu bedroom dance party, shift at the grocery store, or video game level, think about how we can continue these changes beyond lockdown.
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