I can smell the fear. It’s palpable.
Call it survival instinct, parental instinct or a daily diet chock full of too much CNN and the New York Times – fear is ruling our world.
Not the good kind of fear like Coney Island Cyclone fear – the kind some folks find energizing and exhilarating and not the healthy kind of fear either -“I really should put sunscreen on because I don’t want skin cancer” – fear.
This new Fear for the Ages that’s gripping mail carriers, bank tellers and bank presidents, service workers and CEOs is traumatizing, paralyzing and downright uncomfortable fear. This kind of fear can prompt an otherwise disciplined individual to scarf down far too many jelly donuts or Boston crèmes.
With all due respect to anyone who suffers OCD, this new fear prompts us to participate in repetitive handwashing throughout the day (please count to a minimum of 20) and assorted types of ritualistic behavior, all in an attempt to distance ourselves from the disease.
The dog needs walking or you simply choose to take an outside walk? The CDC now requires us to visually scan the streets so we don’t cross paths with neighbors or at least maintain a six-foot distance.
Who could have anticipated that power walking among neighbors would make the growing list of hazardous activities?
Point is: in the suburbs, in the cities and around the globe, untold anxiety is creeping into our daily lives – our every movement – much like an unwanted pox.
Pandemic you say? How many young people under the age of twenty-five were even familiar with that term until a few short weeks ago? According to the World Health Organization, the last pandemic occurred in 2009 with H1N1.
As for fear, isn’t that emotion best reserved for those weaker or lesser than you? Someone earning less salary or enjoying less social status than you? Fear is the great equal-opportunity emotion. Fear of unemployment doesn’t discriminate based on tax bracket or zip code.
Isn’t fear of hunger the reason why Costco, King Kullen and Whole Foods Market were wiped clean of fresh, frozen and canned good items over the last two weeks?
Isn’t fear of not being able to feed one’s family the reason why there was a fight at Best Market over a single package of ground beef? As for the Best Market cashier who got punched by a customer, anxious and fidgety to get off the line, wasn’t fear of catching the coronavirus the catalyst in this scenario?
“Sorry seems to be the hardest word” Sir Elton John wanted you to believe in his 1976 hit. But fast forward to March 2020, declaring “I am scared” or “I am frightened” is the latest challenge for those among us who grew up keeping their feelings in check.
How many of us are comfortable being that honest with ourselves or with our loved ones? And while we’re being honest, how many readers are completely comfortable in a world where there is no longer a sense of control?
Seniors, in particular, are facing social isolation with neither the Senior Center or the Library as a means of connection.
Meanwhile, political analysts predict a public doomsday if government is unable to locate a source with timely delivery for disposable gloves, face masks and respirators.
Who could have imagined that an inexpensive, disposable item like a plastic glove would become the most important fashion accessory in our global economy?
And since the wisest, most spiritual-minded folks remind us to keep unforeseen challenges in perspective, I’ll close by sharing Robert Fulghum’s classic read, “All I Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.”
Written more than 30 years ago, these credos on life continue to make good sense – more so now — in the midst of a pandemic. I’m not certain you’ll feel less afraid, but you may pop a smile.
- Share everything.
- Play fair (Don’t hoard anything)
- Don’t hit people (Even the slow-poke supermarket cashier)
- Clean up after your own mess (Don’t toss used disposable gloves in the street)
- Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody.
- Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.
Thanks for reading and please remember to be kind and respectful to those you meet. During these difficult times, unexpected kindness goes a long way.
Judy Shore Rosenthal
Great Neck
