Viral Living or a Measure of Life

VIRAL LIVING OR A MEASURE OF LIFE

Freedom is a fleeing thing and the COVID-19 has demonstrated that we are not free to do
whatever we want when we want. The fact is we don’t have to do
many of the things we have been accustomed to doing. The shut downs
have resulted in several positive takeaways from this global virus.
For many it helped us to appreciate today and the small things in
life. We have learned to do with less or without. Immediate
gratification we can and have lived without. A simple life is a good
life or better than you think. Still there are those who begrudge
the sensible.

On the bright side, restricted travel and job and business shut downs have showed that we
can work from home effectively if we have to. The obvious and well
received reduction in town traffic has been a blessing. No bumper to
bumper backups twice a day, through the center of town. Considerably
less noise and exhaust fumes has provided the opportunity for some to
sit outside and enjoy a cup of coffee and casual conversation at a
safe distance with friends without having to yell or talk loud to be
heard. It didn’t take a master plan to figure this out. We are
using less gasoline. There is only one day in a week now as
everything has melded together. No need to hurry anywhere. Our pets
are happy to have someone home with them. We men can go three months
or more without a haircut. Most appointments can be placed on hold
without repercussions. Air quality has noticeably improved. The
house has again become a home and families are spending more time
together. Even eating together. Married couples have been
reintroduced to each other and the children, hopefully for the
better. Playing cards and board games, reading, writing, painting,
crafts and walking all have reentered our lives as substitutes for
self entertainment. It affords us time to self educate and to study
up on topics of interest or maybe write an article or story on
something or someone who has had a pronounce effect on our life.
Something funny, inspiring, or historical. Maybe you might want to
examine your ancestry. Maybe write a comparison report of life then
and now as you lived it. Teach your children geography. What about
some basic “civics?” Possibly you can capitalize on your
photography interest and skill. Visit antique shops or any stores
just to look. We can still appreciate something without having to
buy it. Plant a tree. Call a friend. Avoid the social media or at
least Twitter and escape from the vulgar, fear, false and negative
comments it projects. Refrain from the daily news. It is a time to
reflect. To suspend excessive thinking and simply enjoy the moment.
Just sitting sometimes can bring us happiness.

It is an opportunity to catch up on old movies. Because of all the chaos and ignorance
surrounding us these past four years a “Beautiful Mind” might be
a suitable suggestion with an appropriate message to fit the
occasion. If your like me, perhaps old westerns. It’s A Wonderful
Life, Harvey or 12 Angry Men are others with a message. It is a
great time to listen to music of your choice. Listen to Willie
Nelson’s “The Promise Land” and “Immigrant Eyes” or “Song
of the Patriot” and “Don’t Go Near the Water” by Johnny Cash.
“What is Truth” is another one of his songs all recorded in
another period of chaos but just as relevant today.

Many small businesses and restaurants especially have suffered. Jobs are still
being lost. However, we have found that we don’t need to party
every night, go out to eat as often or shop till we drop. Reexamine
the need for expensive material things. Learning to appreciate good
health, having a roof over our heads, food to eat, running water and
heat for the cold weather is a lesson for all. Enjoy the little
things in life and show gratitude for what we have. Getting my fish
chowder every Friday is something to look forward to. Having a glass
of Baily’s before bed isn’t bad either. We are exhibiting a
reconnection with nature and the outdoors and finding that watching a
flock of birds, wild turkeys, coyotes howl, fisher cat screams, call
of a great horned owl, clouds floating by or admiring coloration of
autumn leaves, moon light nights and breathing fresh air doesn’t
costs us anything but a little time in the present. It has also
illustrates to us that there are millions of people in this country
that are homeless and living in poverty. The numbers are increasing
at an alarming rate and will continue unless the federal government
and elected officials fail to implement proper measures.

In the new year, may our leaders turn their attention to enhancing the standard of living
for all and provide employment opportunities at livable salaries,
affordable housing and health care, public transportation and
extended and increased Social Security and Medicare. Immigration
reform and upgrading our education system are a must. An increased
minimum wage ($15) that affects 40 million people isn’t something
to argue about. An estimated 43 million people in the US live at or
below poverty income level and they are not all of color, illegal or
minority. A tour of the country as FEMA or other federal employments
provide is an eye opener. Trump’s latest budget would cut $26B
from Social Security hurting both families and the economy. An
outgoing president shouldn’t even be submitting a budget. Our
future requires both parties working together to serve democracy and
the people. The capitalistic economy we follow breeds materialism,
pollution and environmental destruction. We are over populated and
over developed at all levels. Economic growth doesn’t mean no
poverty, just the opposite. How do you define “a measured life”?
What realistic expectations can we have with the wealthy,
corporations and elected officials all working against us?
Administration and operation costs at every government level need
reductions. Everyone needs to pay their share of fair taxes.
Environmental quality and protection of our natural resources should
be a priority over a destructive endless growth economy. We need
desperately to adopt a steady state economy with lower extraction and
use of food and energy resources. We are using almost twice that
annual productivity of the planet to meet human needs. This is
unsustainable and a society for only the wealthy is not a livable
one. The federal government’s unwillingness to ensure and provide
all citizens the essentials to live life is unacceptable. So, stand
up and speak out. Write or call your elected officials and agitate,
irritate and exasperate them to action. It all starts locally.

In the mean time
take care of yourself and family.

GIB CHASE

Northborough, MA