Tuesday, 20th July 2021 — Last Friday morning, I awakened with serious thoughts weighing on my mind. They had to do with the human existence – mine in particular. I kept wondering how much longer do I have to live in this physical body. In other words, what is the length of my days on earth.
What I am mindful of is the question: “How do we continue to live in this world?” From observing humanity’s life conditions, we note so many people are feeling deep despair. Instead of society progressing forward, we are regressing backwards without compassionate care.
Gone are the days when we counted on neighbours to lend us a hand or, as we say in Anguilla, let us have a jollification. No longer are we closely knit communities connected to families, neighbours and friends. Everyone’s attention is primarily focussed on what needs to be done for her or himself, household and work place. We appear to lack the kind of loving that will comfort and nurture our minds, bodies and souls.
These words are not a doomsday prophecy that I speak of, but the reality of the times in which we are presently living. It is becoming harder and harder each day to keep on going strong. There are moments when our resolve and resilience weaken. In such instances, it is only by the grace of God that we continue to breathe and are able to make it through.
Life will not get any easier. That is for sure! Yet, I hope that at some point we will be able to see more people and systems changing, so that ultimately all a’ we are thriving resiliently. I really do not know if that is possible, but I keep hoping. For if not, I would become disillusioned, which might make continuing this earthly life much more challenging.
In my contemplation on feelings of hopelessness, I reached out to a friend – whom I trust and confide in – and who came to my rescue by visiting me at my home. The time we spent together, talking and listening to each other, brought comfort to mental unease and helped clear the browbeaten sense I felt.
Sometimes we don’t realise how much the human contact – a hug, a kiss, a visit or kind words – can uplift our downtrodden spirits. With this global pandemic, we are becoming more isolated due to the mandated social distancing, and fear of contracting this highly contagious virus. But, we need to connect with people face-to-face to stay alive.
Together, we thrive. Isolated, we strive. We must not be afraid to reach out to someone else when we are feeling alone, despondent or otherwise out of sorts. It is not easy opening up our hearts and souls, sharing our lives’ comings and goings, with others. Oftentimes, we think they won’t comprehend our dilemmas, will breach confidentiality or share our personal information gossiping with others.
What we must do is learn to listen more. Don’t always jump in with a suggested solution or tell another individual to hold on, be strong or say, “This too shall pass.” Be in tune with how the person is feeling at the moment. If we are dealing with our own stuff and unable to hear what he or she wants to verbalise, then let’s be honest with the individual and ourselves.
It doesn’t help to pretend that everything is okay with us. We are allowed to feel vulnerable when we expose the depths of our souls, the concerns and life’s quandaries. If we do not share what is going on with trusted human beings, then we bottle everything up inside ourselves. That causes us to internalise stress which affects our overall health and wellbeing.
When nothing else works, to make our spirits rise joyously, then we turn to the Most High seeking the Divine’s comfort in prayer and petition. The Almighty does not necessarily answer us as we beseech. Yet, faith in this Higher Power gives us the hope to hold on – and belief that our circumstances will change.
In spite of anything we go through, we must be ever grateful for whatever we have – be it little or lots. Give thanks every day that we have food and beverages to eat and drink, homes in which to reside, vehicles to drive, or feet to walk, and hope to endure.
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Kay M Ferguson is a contributing columnist who uses a nom de plume, The Empress Extraordinaire. Her words encourage us to explore who we are, evolve as human-beings and transform our world. Link with Kay at anguillawriter@gmail.com.
