2020 definitely began somewhat ok – it was the promise of a decade of hope. Looking forward to an awesome year – right? Well, I certainly would like to revise and hit the delete button.

The way things unfolded I could never have imagined. A global pandemic enters and everything changes. I found myself having to make some serious revisions in my life. I’d just not given much attention to things in my life needing revising. For instance, accepting my reality in which I am constantly amazed at how much fear I attract. It became more apparent at the onset of the coronavirus. I was certainly taking precautions as much as possible, but some people close to me were obsessed with sending me every article written on coronavirus cures and gloom and doom. It was certainly overwhelming because I had not really taken the time to stop and ask myself how am I doing – really.

I was teleworking for a few months and going to grocery and drug stores. I witnessed all the empty shelves which were a result of the fear that was permeating our city, state, country and world. People were getting in long lines to secure toilet paper! Was this really real or was I in a day or nightmare? If it were so I would not be on conference calls and ZOOM meetings with family, friends and colleagues. I was seeing my dear Mom through a screen. The reality – I was not able to go and touch her and see her face. She subsequently died in November of 2020 – 2 days before my birthday. Even though she did not die from COVID19 it affected her and her family.

One thing I treasured were my early morning walks with a friend who had been observant of folk not wearing masks. She was so observant it became distracting from our walks. Being able to go outside and walk was the only degree of safety and sanity we had during the onset of the pandemic. Everything was shut down – really could not go anywhere safely so I was disturbed when I too realized so many persons’ absolute disregard for their neighbors during a global pandemic.

A thought I had whenever someone passed me without a mask – was this what my ancestors went through? People all around exercising their “freedom” to go maskless while my ancestors were enslaved in chains?

So interesting how I look at the world now by the simple act of wearing a mask and what it symbolizes.

I am helping my neighbors by masking up if I believe the doctors/epidemiologists/nurses  so why don’t the folk who are not masking want to help me? Or am I wearing a mask to keep everyone away from me? Ah, yes!

If I were out walking down the streets prior to COVID19 I might smile at someone or say hello – now I am more likely to not smile and move away from people as far as possible.

Have I closed off myself from the world by wearing a mask? Do I believe that coronavirus can be keep a bay by simply covering my mouth and nose and staying inside my home as much as possible? Or am I following the directions out of fear. False Evidence Appearing Real is an acronym I heard years ago describing the word FEAR. Right now, the evidence is not false about the benefits of wearing a mask in public.

Some years ago, the Staple Singers had a line in a song they recorded – Respect Yourself –  “Keep talkin’ bout the president, won’t stop air pollution put your hand on your mouth when you cough, that’ll help the solution” – in other words people wear a mask!!!

Now in days gone by masks were worn as part of a costume to hide who they were.

Robbers use masks when committing crimes.

I really have to say there’s a part of me that enjoy wearing a mask so I will not commit a crime by spreading my germs.

Another part of me enjoy wearing a mask so as not to engage with folk on the street; their fears and anger – I do not want that to come into my spirit – consciousness.  I have my own feelings to deal with.

A person called me during that time and stated I sounded angry – yes I was certainly angry to receive his phone call – he wanted me to know he had gotten a free test and he did not have COVID19. Of course, I was happy for him and anyone that tested negative and hoped his free test was accurate. But was angry that he was concerned with letting me know about his health status. He then said to me “oh, how are you” and I responded what would you do if I were not ok? He responded, “nothing”. Unbelievable I thought and asked myself why did I get so angry with my caller and all the non-mask wearers? I know there are many folks who don’t care for others and only care for themselves – is that so wrong? In my estimation – yes.

How did we get here being a world of uncaring, angry selfish people? I know this did not start with the pandemic. Someone posted on a neighborhood board that they really needed a haircut and was there a barber or stylist who would come to his home? People are dropping dead all over the city, state, country and world and you need a haircut?

Maybe I can just chill with the angry feelings borderline outrage, wash my hands, wear a mask and pray that this too shall pass.

Late 2020 into 2021 the COVID19 vaccines became available by Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. Many people were anxious to obtain the vaccine. The naysayers hit the streets and airwaves spreading inaccurate information of the vaccine’s ineffectiveness and government was inserting more than a vaccine into the arms of people. Unbelievable.

It’s 2021 and the pandemic hit its’ peak and another strain, Omnicron is now amongst us. A bit more infectious but not as many people were dying because many people are now vaccinated and also have a booster shot.

2022 – second year of the Decade of Caution©. The mask mandate has been lifted across the US however not so much in other parts of the world but of course the US is unlike other nations and must get back to “normal”.

Russia has invaded Ukraine and many lives are lost and tremendous destruction in that part of the world.

Here’s the thing – what is worse? Another global pandemic, civil unrest, Russia’s war in the Ukraine or a slap on the stage of the 2022 Oscar ceremony? In my mind all are tragic events in our world right now and a reflection of the fearful consciousness of so many people and seats of power. We must be vigilant in prayerful optimism.