Opinion
Negativity can really consume you, and in the current state of the world it’s so incredibly difficult to stay positive. Everything is cancelled. Lives are being turned upside down. Borders are closing.
I struggle with clinical anxiety and depression. Winter is already tough. The hours of daylight are short, and the nights are cold. This winter, commodity markets aren’t good, the Canadian dollar sucks, and oil prices are plummeting.
A global pandemic is making every day things very difficult — including my job that requires travel and access to interviewees that are all on stay-at-home orders, as cities begin to declare states of emergency. My mind isn’t in a good place, and these factors don’t help with anything.
I’ve been avoiding social media like the plague (…which is also a phrase I should probably stop using), as it is filled with everything COVID-19 related. Don’t get me wrong — updates are so important. Staying informed is important. Knowing the facts is critical. But it’s been tough. I know I can’t be the only one feeling this way.
So, while we all struggle through this together, let’s remember to take care of our mental well-being as well. Go for a drive. Sing a song at the top of your lungs. Roll the windows down and let the fresh air flow over you. Hug your kids. Call your family. Go for a run, if that’s your thing. Photograph the beauty outside. Send each other videos of your dogs. And most importantly, reach out. We’re all in this together, and we will get through this.
I challenge you all to either tweet @realagriculture, or send me an email at [email protected] with something positive in your day. Let’s focus on what we do have. Babies out there are still belly laughing, and the sun is still shining. And if you think the Internet is all negative, I promise you, there are positives out there somewhere. I’ve included some of them below, and will be updating as I come across more:
Could really use some positivity in a world currently full of negativity. Tell me what you’re grateful for today ?
— Kara Oosterhuis (@KaraOosterhuis) March 16, 2020
Right now we should focus on being the best people and neighbour’s we can be
It’s going to take everyone doing their part
Make random acts of kindness less random!#ThoughtsFromTheTractor? pic.twitter.com/JnDTr0u8O7
— John? (@KowalchukFarms) March 16, 2020
Alright, all these virus tweets are making me go nuts. Since surgery I’ve had to be in my own little recovery quarantine and now with a low immune system, I will be somewhat again. Tell me something else! What is going on that is good right now for you… not virus related!
— Kelsey Banks (@KelseyBanks) March 14, 2020
This evening’s sunset to cheer us up after a dreary day. pic.twitter.com/rkMNh3hM2z
— Will Van Roessel (@SpecialtySeeds) March 16, 2020
The news has been a little scary lately, and the world markets have been even worse. The best thing to do in times like this – find something to laugh at!!
Have a watch as @QuickDickMcDick takes you through the basics of our lovely province. ???https://t.co/wHAwXcdX2u
— Adrienne Ivey (@adrienneivey) March 16, 2020
Be safe out there, everyone. (Also, wash your dang hands).
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