Smiling through the weirds — HERRICANE MUSIC

May 7

May 7 Smiling through the weirds

Photo credit: Catherine McGann

Over the last week, I’ve noticed a distinct change in the conversations between my friends, family, and I. Pre-Corona phone calls used to be fairly quick check-ins to catch up on the latest gossip, life update, or you’ll-never-believe-who-I-saw stories.

But now, for obvious, global-pandemic-related reasons, “what’s up” has been replaced by “what does the future hold” and, “I’m fine, how are you” has become, “actually, it’s been a really hard week.” It seems to me, with the future of our world as we know it at stake, people are cutting the bullshit. I know we’re all sensitive to pointing out potential silver linings of COVID19, but could it be possible that these unprecedented times (cue the voice over for every commercial currently airing) could be the mental health reckoning we didn’t know we needed?

Companies (well, some. Jeff Bezos, do better) are acknowledging the importance of taking breaks. Friends are actively checking in on each other. Neighbors are saying hello. And without the constant distractions of “normal life,” people are facing their emotions, maybe for the first time ever.

We seem to be collectively learning that our “normal life” was riddled with abnormal behaviors. Like replying “I’m fine” when you’re nearly exploding with sadness. Or like asking a question and dissociating before hearing the person’s answer.

I hope that if when this is all over, we don’t forget how to live authentically. I hope we continue to check in on our friends, actively listen when a friend chooses to share, and acknowledge our emotions rather than smother them with external distractions. Because I’m really enjoying these new conversations, and I don’t want them to go away when we no longer have face masks to hide behind.

In the meantime, I have another playlist for you. It’s intended to help you find a way to smile, even with murder hornets and airborne viruses in our midst. Whether the sun is shining or you just cried for the 17th time this week, let me help you find some joy with music. And as always, don’t you dare hit “shuffle.”

Playlist on Spotify here.

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