Do You Allow Current Events to Affect Your Life?

Change is either something we embrace or try to ignore. In light of current events, major changes are affecting all of our lives in a variety of ways. Some of them make us angry. Some make us roll our eyes in frustration. But, none of us can deny that our lives have been influenced in some way. 


I believe that most of us just want to live our lives without stressing over current global happenings. However, whether we choose to watch the news or not, we are forced to change in our daily routines. 

Trips to the grocery store are not what they used to be. Depending on where you live, there are many stores that do not allow you to enter. You must make your purchases online and pick up your items in front of the store - without the pleasure of 'shopping' the aisles. 

Change is here....and most of it is not good. Omnipresent in my thoughts is "what about our children and grandchildren?" Will they ever enjoy 'normal'?

As a teenager in Detroit during the riots in the 60s, my father chose to leave Michigan. We moved to small-town Wisconsin where I completed my last year of high school - among strangers. 

But I never forgot the fear and anxiety that came with that lawlessness and strife. It is forever etched in my thoughts. I grieve. For then and now.

When I venture out to the store or post office, I sense the fear and paranoia that is gripping my small town. I want to hug my neighbors and tell them it will be okay. But hugs are not allowed. Touching is becoming a memory and it terrifies me. 

Sadly, many of the new restrictions i.e. using hand sanitizer are harmful. See Are Your Hand Sanitizers Killing You?  

Our ferry system (which is our highway to the mainland) announced that we NOW have to wear masks or we will not be allowed onto the boat. However, if our trip is less than 30 minutes, it is not a requirement. What is the reasoning behind that? Health issues that ensue from wearing a mask can be a bigger risk than COVID-19. 

We are not allowed out of our cars on the ferry which means we have to sit in a hot car with a mask on. Is logic a thing of the past too?  

I am thrilled that all of my friends and family are of the same mindset, whether they are living close by or on the other side of the country.  And we all have the same concerns for our children but each of us makes a concentrated effort to maintain sanity - mostly through humor. For that, I am eternally grateful. 

I detest most of the new phrases many people use regularly. I refuse. The one that irritates me the most is "Stay safe." No matter what we do in our lives we all try to stay safe and protect ourselves and our families. I do not need a grocery store clerk to tell me to stay safe. 

Dare I go on? What are some of the phrases that frustrate you?