I think we can all agree the past several years dealing with COVID fears has not been easy. The COVID pandemic put our lives on hiatus. All the things we wanted to do and took for granted were halted. It was not easy to be stuck at home all the time and only see the same four walls, day in and day out. While COVID has not vanished from existence, many have taken the necessary precautions by getting the vaccine. I still have hope that life can start becoming closer to the normal we once knew, but I do understand things do not always work out the way we want them to.
The truth is, we are only offered one chance at this life, so we should not waste any time on anger and hate. Instead, we should always continue growing, changing, learning, and striving to improve. Each day we encounter numerous challenges and struggles, which even though it is not easy to see in the moment, make us stronger and more courageous. No matter how difficult the challenges we face seem, if we can think of them as opportunities, they might get easier.
We have been dealing with stress and loneliness due to COVID for so long, that I can hardly remember what life used to be like. I cannot remember what we used to do on weekends or vacations. The only way I can view weekends now is time I do not have to work. It seems like for years we have had nothing to look forward to or be excited about.
Although I know cases and deaths from COVID have decreased, there are still lingering fears in my mind that I cannot erase. Besides COVID, other terrible things are occurring too often. I understand the United States will not take away the people’s right to guns, but something needs to change. We should not have to fear going to a grocery store, hospital, mall, movie theater, out to dinner, or children going to school. Gun control may help save lives or at least lessen the chance of an unstable person being able to purchase a gun. Assault rifles and semi-automatic guns are not meant to be in the hands of ordinary people and should only be used during war times. Schools, stores, restaurants, and hospitals are not acts of war.
Mental health has been a serious issue for decades, but it does not seem like anyone is trying to make changes. Those that suffer in silence and alone need to feel comfortable asking for help, without fear of ridicule, judgment, and not having the ability to afford help. There are too many people battling addictions, which can lead to depression and possibly death. Why should people be forced to suffer without any viable help? The United States is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, but the citizens cannot afford help, healthcare, or medications. That just does not seem right to me!
Unfortunately, we continue to live in a world of fears. We should all try to understand others and help when we can. Of course, we need to try putting our needs first because if we are not well, we will not be able to help anyone else. Putting our needs first is not selfish, which I do tend to have a hard time understanding because has always been in my nature to put other’s needs ahead of my own. This is something I am working on and know I will succeed with someday.
Thank you for visiting my site today. I hope you found what I have shared today meaningful. I am looking forward to reading your comments and will respond as quickly as I can. I hope you are enjoying your weekend and remaining safe. Please never forget that I am always sending y’all LOTS of love, comfort, support, and MANY positive vibes!
Always, Alyssa
Fightmsdaily 
Reblogged this on Survivors Blog Here Mental Health Collaborative .
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It is getting really stressful out there, isn’t it! I had a respiratory therapist in the house last week and we heard some loud bangs outside; we both immediately stopped talking to listen. I told him I thought it was a car backfiring, and he agreed. How sad that we both needed to reassure ourselves that it wasn’t gun fire. I am also worn out with the whole Covid situation. The case numbers have exploded in my county, and I am still being careful about masking even though I am pretty well protected with the Evusheld. My doctors are dialing up my immunosuppressants and now they are concerned that I might contract flu or some other virus, so it is same old, same old. Sigh. I can see that many people have returned to their old lives now that they are vaccinated, but for me nothing has changed. Thank heavens for blogging!
Hugs. Eventually we will come out to the other side of this.
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Yes, it is a very stressful world. I do not understand why so many are selfish enough to not consider other people’s life. I will never understand the levels of hate so many have inside them and why they decide to act on that hate with guns. Even though I am fully vaccinated and hardly leave the house, I will wear a mask when I do leave the house.
I hope things start getting better for everyone and I hope the amount of stress you feel lessens. Take care and never forget, you are not alone!
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Hugs to both of us. I’ve lately been listening to the rhetoric that is coming out of mouths on the right and I keep thinking… are you in middle school? That whole concept of “own the libs” kind of screams of people who are trying to prove they are better even though they aren’t well educated, informed, or experienced. I pick up on a type of resentfulness that is connected to this need for attention and power; like I said, the behavior of middle school students who are starting to become bigger than the adults and want to see how far they can push things. They would say things like “I know more than you” or “my dad makes more money than you” and other stuff that indicates insecurity. What a mess. This has always been around, but now it is legitimized and weaponized. Literally weaponized.
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Having the “right” to own a gun but not the right to have universal healthcare is one of the many things I don’t get about the States.
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I could not agree more with you! It drives me crazy how much people think they have the right to own a gun, but the same people were so angry about having to wear a mask or get the vaccine.
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COVID definitely gave us all a scare and changed our lives in ways we never imagined. I can understand people who are immunocompromised have a much greater fear of resuming their lives. It’s so critical they continue to follow hand washing, social distancing and wearing masks since the majority of people are slacking on these guidelines. I realize most of us are over the idea of masks but for others it’s a matter of life and death. Try putting yourself in their shoes just for a day. Maybe then you’d have a better idea what they struggle with everyday and be able to empathize with their fears.
I do agree there needs to be changes to gun control. I believe mental health is a major issue when it comes to this subject. Unfortunately, there’s not enough attention directed to this problem, therefore so many are left on the streets spiraling out of control. The most disturbing part of all this is these are the same people allowed to purchase guns which kill innocent men,women, and children. Sure, more thorough background checks, longer waiting periods and banning the purchase of certain guns maybe very helpful. But without addressing mental health in this country, we will never be safe! Thankfully the second amendment provides us the opportunity to attempt to keep our families from harm!
One last thing. It’s true. If you don’t take care of yourself first you can’t be there for anyone else. Thinking about what is important to you, what your needs are, what makes you happy, and what you want out of life does not make you selfish. In fact, that’s what God wants for all of us. Yes, being kind to others is important, but don’t forget to be kind to yourself. We all deserve to be happy. It’s your life, make it the best life ever!!!! All my Love & Support, Mom……
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