Look.

I know you’re scared out there. This is some scary stuff. But there has to be a middle ground, somewhere between total denial and total panic. That’s where I plan to stay during all of this.

I’ve been affected by this – someone in my family has already gotten this bug, and two others are under observation as possible cases. But my running around in circles like my hair was on fire (what little I have of it) will not improve their situations – or my own.

Then again, neither will my participation in the rock-throwing on a political level. You want to say the government’s response was horrible? Fine. You think it was line-perfect? Good for you. The answer is probably somewhere in the middle – and again, does us no good to argue about, because at the moment, we can’t affect it. All we’re doing is reacting in fear, trying to find some outlet for it.

FDR said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” I always thought it was a good soundbite, but the meaning of it has become so evident in these past few days. It isn’t the condition we need to be concerned bout – it is our own reactions to it.

So what’s the solution? As I said, I am choosing to be in the sensible center. I am realistic about the progression of Covid in the country, but I’m also hopeful that steps taken will slow its spread throughout our society. I can analyze numbers and watch for trends, both here and abroad, and will continue to keep an eye on things daily…

And I’m always going to try to find and share the good things we do for each other through this, with the knowledge we will get through this.

Please remember, if you’re feeling scared, so is the other person. So I implore you, treat each other gently. You’ll feel better in the end about your choices.

Be well, be safe, and most of all, be positive.

DGS