Living on Purpose
Businesses are slowly reopening and the current stay-at-home order will potentially be lifted on May 28th here in Michigan. The idea of quarantine being over caused me to stop and try to remember what the world was like in the weeks before the pandemic became an all-consuming force in the United States.
I remember being concerned that Australia was on fire, feeling baffled over the outcome of the Michigan primary election, and looking forward to spring. On March 10th, just as the sun began to come out Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency. With this declaration changes were quickly set into place. Schools were closed, businesses were halted, boundaries were implemented everywhere you looked. We are now two months into quarantine and change is on the horizon again.
This is possibly due to the pressure imposed by protesters to reopen the economy, or maybe due to the steady decline in death toll numbers across the state. With all of the remaining uncertainty, a question has been posed online asking the public if they are planning to rush outside once the order is lifted, or if they planned to take a more cautious approach. The answers were far from unanimous.
There are those who want to resume business and leisure as soon possible, relying on favorable statistics which show that there are far more recoveries and asymptomatic cases than deaths. That same group also quickly point out that humanity has historically developed immunity to disease through exposure.
Meanwhile, doctors and scientists are still working to determine if immunity exists, and warn that asymptomatic carriers still threaten the lives of others.
On the other end of the spectrum, there are those whom say they will remain vigilant in their response and will continue to self-quarantine weeks beyond the order, stating that every time the state order is extended, their self-imposed order will extend as well.
Not everyone has experienced the pandemic the same way. Some have not gotten sick, nor lost anyone they personally knew. While others lost several members within their close community/family. Reemerging also, will not look the same. Knowing exactly what is right for everyone while watching the world continue to grapple with the Coronavirus is an impossible feat. An easier task is to at the very least, take the time to evaluate and understand what feels right for you.
By doing so, you can establish clear boundaries for yourself. You will understand your needs, maintain ownership of your circle of control, and be able to clearly communicate your wishes while valuing the expectations of others. Even if only agreeing to disagree. After all of the chaos, whenever the stay-at-home order is lifted, let’s move forward in peace.
A native of Phoenix, Arizona Aundrea Sayrie is a firm believer in the power of words, faith and a strong spirit. Her greatest desire is to encourage those around her to discover and honor their truth, and to passionately live on purpose. IG @aundreasayrie.
Any views or opinions expressed in “Living on Purpose” are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Watershed Voice staff or its board of directors.
