The Secret Pandemic.

At the beginning of the pandemic, I had no idea what we were in for, how long it would last, or what the side effects would be. I had little expectations. Two years later, though things seem somewhat back to normal, there are side effects to the pandemic that no-one accounted for. The pandemic that started is 2019 is far from over. Not only are we continued to be reminded of it's presence as each new variant arrives, we are forever transformed by the pandemic in more ways than we anticipated. It is not only responsible for taking lives. The pandemic has created a loss of connection between us and our fellow human. It has instilled in us an overall sense of fear as we go out and about in our daily lives. Thus creating the "secret pandemic".

I became aware of this "secret pandemic" during a car accident the other day. I was attempting to parallel park and hit another car. As it turns out, we were both at fault as this car was moving forward at the same time as I was backing up. Thankfully neither of our cars where damaged. However, when I went to speak with the driver of the other car, I was met with rage, exasperation, and panic from a woman that had I never met before. This woman was entirely spun up by the time I got to the drivers window. She accused me of turning her into my insurance company before I could say anything. It wasn't until I asked how she was doing emotionally, that she broke down crying. In tears she shared with me that she felt lost, alone, and out of touch with life and others since the pandemic. She had learned to live without rather than to risk becoming Ill. This phobia had taken a toll on her mentally.

It was this and other similar situations I have encountered that gave me insight into a hidden pandemic that has reared its ugly head post 2019. It is a sense of loss, connection and empathy for our fellow human. Many are living lives of quiet desperation, choosing loneliness over friendship, huddled in fear, wondering where normal went. Even if we have survived the pandemic physically, this secret pandemic is doing much deeper damage physiologically to us than we know. It has clipped our wings of freedom and our ability to make the best decisions for ourselves because fear and loneliness drives us to make decisions from a lower place.

The following are symptoms of this "secret pandemic". Loneliness, inability to move, fear, poverty, lack mindset, inability to enjoy life, fear of travel, daily exhaustion, worry, regret, wishing for things to go back to normal ect. If you experience any of these, here are a few ways to remedy this pandemic and remove this virus from your life once and for all.

1. Forget the idea of normal. Life is not going to go back to normal. What is normal anyways?

2. Start today to make decisions that will fill your tank and not empty it. If you don’t fill up your tank, you will have nothing to give others when you come in contact with them.

3. Shut off the stress spigots/ news, negative energy from others etc. If you hear something that doesn't fit what is healthy for you, move away.

4. Focus on that which is lovely. Philippians 4:8. Switch your focus to only that which will uplift you and bring you a step closer to happiness. Healing takes time. You have lived through a global trauma so don't pressure yourself to radiate joy immediately.

5. Reach out and give more hugs. Find someone to hug today. Be the love and bring it to every situation.

6. Be quick to empathize. Others who disagree with you may be suffering from the side effects of the "secret pandemic". Be understanding towards them no matter the circumstance. Sometimes a little empathy and understanding can go a long way.

7. Boundaries. Set boundaries on what you will tolerate in your world. This goes for how much fear you will allow yourself to live under. What lies you will believe.

8. Activate endorphins by exercise. A workout can boost your positivity. When you feel that things are getting to heavy to carry, this is a great option.

9. Looks for ways to be the gift. Try not to get hung up on what's not working for you and get outside yourself. Try to imagine how the other person would be feeling. They may be having it worse than you. Learn to uplift others. When you can make another person feel more loved, you not only lead by example, you stop the vicious cycle of this hidden pandemic.

How will you stop the spread of the "secret pandemic" today? Share your ideas below.