The past few months have felt like an eternity. A palpable shift has occurred in society, and within ourselves. The true depth of this transformation is still unfolding, but a sense of collective weariness is undeniable. Hope persists, yet it’s tinged with fatigue. It’s rare to encounter someone who feels more secure than they did just months ago, and genuine optimism seems increasingly scarce. We hear echoes of a desire to return to ‘normal’, lamenting the hardships endured. Meanwhile, essential workers continue their duties, often unseen and unacknowledged, simply to keep society functioning. This invisibility, this silent risk-taking, is taking its toll.
As seasons transition, we usually anticipate the comforts they bring. However, in 2020, this seasonal shift arrives with uncertainty. Many yearn to believe warmth will restore normalcy, but the truth is unknown. The real danger lies in clinging to convenient beliefs, potentially exacerbating the situation.
Recently, the thought of giving up felt overwhelmingly close. It wasn’t a singular event – not the fear in a stranger’s eyes, nor veiled threats. It was a pervasive emptiness, a depletion of hope poured into the anxieties of others. A simple, sincere question from a coworker – a genuine inquiry about well-being – became a lifeline. A commitment to mutual support emerged from that brief exchange. Personal peace, a space to simply be, became essential for navigating the demands of the moment. The need to cater to external expectations began to fade.
Call it what you want
Cause I don’t even care anymore
Call me what you need to
To make yourself comfortable
Alanis Morissette released “Diagnosis” on April 24th, and for days it became a constant companion. The commute to work, moments at home, the drive back – all soundtracked by this single song.
The layers of meaning within “Diagnosis” continue to unravel, its arrival feeling profoundly timely. The spirit of this exceptional songwriter, the sheer musicality, is transformative. It’s a necessary kind of ‘breaking’ – a dismantling of the need for self-justification, for conforming to external labels and diagnoses. This song fosters a space of liberation, a release from the burden of constant caretaking and external validation.
How many of us operate to ensure the comfort of others, often at our own expense? “Call it what you want…” resonates deeply. Countless individuals dedicate their lives to molding themselves to fit into someone else’s comfort zone, neglecting their own needs.
I’ve not left the house in a while
I’ve not felt a glimpse of ease
And I have not made much headway
Since I have come back from the war
And I no longer give a damn
‘Bout things that used to matter
And I am covering my eyes
As I am frozen on the spot
“I wonder what we will all look like after this war…” This line possesses a captivating power, demanding attention. Whether Alanis wrote “Diagnosis” recently or not, the opening verse’s imagery of isolation is strikingly relevant. Regardless of its creation date, the song’s release timing was undeniably perfect.
Writing and even listening to music had become a struggle. The constant influx of fear and the pressure to accommodate everyone else’s anxieties had taken a heavy toll.
In these uncertain times, embracing moments of joy is paramount. The future remains unclear, the ‘other side’ shrouded in mist. Fear and doubt may linger, but “Diagnosis” offers respite, a moment of profound peace.
And all of you are so frustrated
And everyone around me is tryna help as much as they can
But I’ll move on in this meltdown
Of nervousness diagnosis
Despite the weariness and frustration, compassion persists. Many genuinely care for those around them. And while exhausted, we are still here, still capable of choosing resilience. Tragically, countless others have lost that choice. Disregarding science and safety precautions not only risks personal health but endangers those around you. Yet, even in the face of such disregard, extending compassion remains vital. Wearing a mask, sanitizing diligently – these are acts of collective care. We are all interconnected, striving to navigate this challenging period and emerge with our well-being intact.
Thank you, Alanis, for sharing your vulnerability. “Diagnosis” arrived as a much-needed source of strength and understanding. Allowing this song to resonate, to reshape perspectives, reveals the brilliance of your artistry and the depth of your emotional honesty. Humanity is enriched by your voice. Anticipation builds for the full release of “Such Pretty Forks in the Road.”
Listening, learning, and growing…
