I wanted to write something uplifting and fun about St. Patrick’s Day (seeing how we’re all pretty much shut into our houses at the moment) but the words just wouldn’t come. Instead, I kept thinking about the coast of Ireland- specifically the Dingle Peninsula. It’s a hard landscape- absolutely stunning and greener than anything I’d ever seen before- but completely at the mercy of nature. The weather, the waves, the land- nature ruled it all. Even the houses and farms that dotted the mountainsides looked as though they’d just grown out of the landscape- weathered and salt beaten, but strong and resilient.
To some people, to see that balance between humanity and nature might seem chaotic and scary, but to me it was comforting. It showed that we have been able to coexist with nature for generations. It ebbs and flows, it’s difficult and unpredictable, but it’s also beautiful and rewarding.
That brings me so much comfort right now. In the midst of a global pandemic that is spreading like wildfire, things feel chaotic and uncertain. But I’m reminding myself to breathe and find calm. Nature is flexing her power and we need to hunker down and stay strong. As everything does, this will eventually calm down, and we’ll still be here. Balance will come again and we’ll be even stronger for it.
Until then though, continue to wash your hands, don’t touch your face, and limit your exposure to other people. If possible, stay home. If you’re able, buy gift certificates to your local restaurants and businesses to help them financially. Stay positive, don’t hoard, and take comfort in the fact that you are not alone. We are all weathering this storm together.