A Writer's Thoughts and Musings on COVID-19

COVID-19 is everywhere.

It's in China, Italy, Spain, the U.S., Canada—everywhere. But its spread has affected the people around the world physically and mentally. It has caused brain fever, fueled by social media. The only way to stop seeing and hearing about it is to turn off your TVs, radios, computers and phones. 

Aw, silence.

I've had to write about it for my job, so I've reached the point where I've had enough of hearing about it. The only reason I'm writing about it again is because the social distancing has made me look at this situation differently. 

It started with the video ASMR to Make You Feel Good by Gibi ASMR where she says, "...if you lose sight of yourself and what makes you unique, you might not be going after what you really actually want." (23:02-23:29)

Time on Our Hands

With social distancing, many people are alone in their apartments and now, have a lot of time to reflect on themselves and their life. Now, they are re-evaluating what it is they do for a living and whether or not they are actually getting closer to their goals.

On the other side of the coin, people are taking action and no longer putting off what they want to do. They are reviewing their bucket lists and learning new things, from speaking new languages to reading new genres to watching shows on Netflix they wouldn't normally consider. People are taking advantage of online classes to develop new skills, like playing an instrument.

And I wonder if the pandemic isn't a sign.

I believe in Fate and that things happen for a reason. I have read many articles commenting on the world moving fast, too fast, and how people don't have enough time and how prices keep going up. Perhaps, and I may be overthinking this, perhaps the pandemic has happened to slow the world down and have us re-think upon our systems and actions. Because the pandemic is also making us care more. Social distancing has forced us to communicate through Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook so much more. "Stay safe" is the term I keep hearing and seeing. People are banding together to help others financially, as well as send words of kindness and supplies.

Coping

People have had to get creative to cope with being cooped up in their home for weeks. I've seen some do a 5 à 7 with their friends via video chat. Others are doing videogame and movie marathons.

Surprisingly, Jodie Whittaker, the actress who plays the 13th Doctor, did a video as The Doctor while being at home. 

So many, like myself, find comfort in The Doctor no matter which actor is portraying him/her. And to see Whittaker, of her own volition, take on The Doctor's role during this time to send hope out into the world is just incredible and very Doctor-like. 

In the same respect, Hendril of ASMR Weekly, did his second Doctor Who roleplay video (The Doctor Visits 2020) and this time, he talks about COVID-19 and, in true Doctor style, gives hope to his viewers that the human race is strong enough to endure the virus and will continue on for many years to come.

What's Next?

Among the people I follow on Twitter is Mick Ignis, known for his portrayal of Severus Snape in the Broad Strokes fan-made film. And he brought up a good point today: 

The world has been thrown into a tailspin and is doing damage control. Nothing is certain, but we must stay positive in the face of despair. 

There is talk of city lockdowns and social distancing lasting for at least a month, maybe even two, maybe longer. Millions have been laid off from jobs, and projects have been put on hold. The Bank of Canada has lowered interest rates and the housing markets are on shaky ground. Should people buy? Will they be able to sell now that buyers must practice social distancing? People have had birthdays in the last two weeks, but could not celebrate in person with friends, or even family. I have a friend whose wedding is set for October, but will it happen? Will everything be done in time? Will she and her partner be able to travel for their honeymoon? We have entered an"undiscovere'd country"and while there have been pandemics in the past, we still don't know what to expect now.

For now, when your mind "mementarily threatens to reach beyond to the Other," don't let it consume you. You must push away the dark thoughts, you must change the music, you must change your environment (take a brief walk around the block just enough to save yourself from drowning in yourself).

Put on that movie or read that book that makes you feel at home. Run away to Hogwarts or sit with Severus in Spinner's End. Get in the TARDIS and fly away to another time and place. We're all in this together, and we will get through this. Just take one day at a time. 

Services

Need an editor, beta reader or book reviewer for your novel or short story? Check out my website to learn more about my services or email me about your project at smurphy.writer1@gmail.com!