A Study on Resilience

 It seems to me that the worst times in human history are the times when it becomes clear how resilient we truly are, the times when we learn more about ourselves than at any other. Sometimes I think it takes tragedy -- or the threat of one -- to wake us up from the sleeper state of reality we too often entrench ourselves within. And no matter how you slice it, COVID is one of these times. 

Fear is a word that has hung unspoken on so many tongues as of late; it has driven people indoors and into an isolation we've never experienced before. It's hovered on the air every time we've stepped into our local grocery stores, into our work-spaces, into our real-world lives. In a very real way, humanity has been under attack. Our schools shut down; non-essential work ground to a halt; the world seemed to pause. But the question becomes one of this: was that pause the stop of its heartbeat, or a mere breath before returning stronger? 

In a time of fear, humanity has shown resilience. Life hasn't stopped, though oftentimes it may feel that way. And although many things have become more challenging and frustrating, we are resilient. In the midst of a pandemic, our schools opened back up and challenged their students to protect themselves and each other through social distancing and the use of masks. Jobs for so many have returned full-force, with similar difficult guidelines. The shelves of stores are generally full. Concerts and other events are making slow comebacks. The streets hum with throngs of people, masks donned, returning to face life -- in new ways, sure, but stronger than ever. 

We have looked into the eyes of tragedy and held our ground. Many of us have been affected personally by this virus, and many more have seen people they love struggle, fear, or grow sick. There can be no doubt that we will feel the ripple effects of this pandemic far into the future. And though it may have spared some more than others, it has crept its touch into every walk of life, across the globe. And yet here we are. On campus at the University of Kentucky. Attending classes. Socializing the best we can. Learning. That's all this has been: an experience to learn, to grow, to show ourselves as resilient in the face of a travesty. 

My heart goes out to all those who lost loved ones, jobs, and livelihoods. My heart goes out to the struggling, the sick, and the hurt. My heart goes out to so many, and the stories from so many during these trying times are endlessly powerful. We can withstand anything; we are human. And that means picking up the pieces and trying to return to business as usual, even when we don't feel like trying. Often I struggle with these posts, because I haven't experienced anything major due to this pandemic. Some disappointments, yes, but nothing heartbreaking or particularly trying. I grumble about the state of the world; I dislike wearing a mask; Zoom can be annoying and aggravating most days. But these are minor complaints.

And as I look around campus every day, at every single person who has sacrificed and continues to sacrifice to be here, I realize how minor they are. Though these times can be disheartening, they are also times of empowerment.

 Any time you feel down due to the current circumstances, I encourage you to seek out one shining moment that highlights resilience in these times. Below, I've embedded the video that inspired this post. I hope it will inspire you, too.

We are resilient.