This pandemic has made us focus more on a reality that we normally tend to ignore – we do not have control over a lot of things that happen. Anxiety has increased in recent times because we keep focusing on the uncertainty of the current situation. We want definite answers. We want an unchanging plan. We want to be secure again.

A lot of people are asking questions. Will we ever get our lives back the way they were? When will we stop wearing masks? Will more variants follow? Will the world ever be the same again?

In truth, there has never been anything definite about the future. That’s always been the case. Sometimes the best plans don’t work out. Happy relationships can turn sour. Hard working students can get disappointing results. The best people don’t always get called to interview.

If we focus constantly on things we cannot control we inevitably become unsettled and uneasy. We only need an appropriate level of anxiety in our lives to ensure that we are prepared for challenges. We do not need non-stop anxiety. Media bombards us with frightening analysis and trauma inducing theories. We only need so much news. In fact, the case could be made that we listen to far too much news. It informs too many conversations.

It would be a good idea to focus on this day as a day you can take charge of. Between now and bedtime you can take whatever approach you want. You can spend hours worrying about things. You can spend the day plotting a row. You can wallow in regret until it gets dark. No one is forcing you. You’re not a puppet on a string.

This day can be a golden day yet. What do you want to do with it? Would you ever wake up and not let this day slip away?
(C) Shane Martin