The last three months have felt like an entire year. Observing the shifts in humanity and experiencing personal change has been profound. The full extent of these changes is yet to be understood. Hope remains, but exhaustion is palpable. It’s rare to encounter someone who feels more secure now than just a few months prior, and genuine hope seems to be dwindling for many. The talk of returning to normal persists, alongside acknowledgements of the ongoing difficulties. Meanwhile, essential workers continue their duties, sustaining daily life, often feeling unseen and underappreciated. The changing seasons, usually anticipated with their familiar comforts, arrive in 2020 with an air of uncertainty. The hope that warmer weather will restore normalcy is prevalent, but the reality remains unknown. There’s a significant risk in clinging to beliefs that merely suit our anxieties, potentially exacerbating the situation.
Last week, the feeling of being completely drained was overwhelming. It wasn’t a specific incident, not the woman wary of touch, nor the armed individual radiating unspoken tension. It was a pervasive emptiness, a depletion from extending hope to others while neglecting my own reserves. A simple, sincere inquiry from a coworker about my well-being made a remarkable difference. The agreement to support each other was a turning point. Personally, I anticipate navigating through this, even if illness comes. A sense of inner peace has been discovered, enabling me to provide support and comfort to others. The need for external validation has diminished.
Alanis Morissette released this song on April 24th, and for six consecutive days, it became my sole soundtrack. It accompanied commutes to and from work, and filled the quiet moments at home.
The layers within this song continue to unfold, particularly its timely arrival. It was a vital necessity, a connection to the spirit of an exceptional songwriter. The sheer musicality is transformative, inducing a necessary breakdown – the dismantling of the urge to self-justify, to conform to labels or diagnoses imposed by others. This song is instrumental in reaching a state of indifference to external pressures.
How many of us operate to ensure the comfort of others? “Call it what you want….” Countless individuals dedicate their lives to accommodating others, neglecting their own needs and reshaping themselves to fit external expectations.
“I wonder what we will all look like after this war,” this line resonated deeply, demanding attention. The question of when Alanis penned or recorded this song arose upon hearing this verse, especially the line about prolonged home confinement – a sentiment so relevant to current times. Regardless of its creation date, the song’s release timing was impeccably resonant.
Writing and even listening to music had become a struggle. The constant undercurrent of fear and the pressure to provide comfort to everyone had taken a toll, experienced by many navigating these challenging times.
Embrace joy wherever possible. The future remains uncertain. Fear and questions tend to dominate present moments. This song offered respite, a sense of peace.
And all of you are so frustratedAnd everyone around me is tryna help as much as they can
But I’ll move on in this meltdownOf nervousness diagnosis
Many still demonstrate care for others, experiencing fatigue and frustration. Yet, life continues, and the choice to persevere remains. Sadly, over 80,000 individuals in our nation no longer have this choice. Choosing disbelief in science and disregarding precautions endangers others. However, extending joy remains essential. Masks are worn, hands are sanitized for every customer. Collective effort is crucial for navigating this situation and emerging with both life and joy intact.
Gratitude to Alanis for her vulnerability. Her music provided solace when deeply needed. Witnessing this artistic vulnerability is breathtaking, observing the soul poured into her songs. Humanity is enriched by her presence. Anticipation builds for the full “Such Pretty Forks in the Road” album.
Listening, learning, and growing…
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