“Be kind” was the message from the municipality on Friday.
“The past two months have been stressful for all of us. In the days and weeks ahead, please be kind to each other and remember that we don't know the circumstances of every person we see on the street.”
That about sums up the topic of this editorial - one which is a culmination of many conversations I have had over the past few weeks.
We have all been affected by this pandemic. That is our only constant.
Some people are under immense pressure as they continue to work, some are juggling that with homeschooling young children. Others are bored at home as they wait to go back to work.
There are similar factors in our lives but every experience is different - and so are our reactions to these changes.
There are some who are scared to go to the grocery store, others roll their eyes at it all.
And we may have physically adapted to this ‘new normal’ of trying to stay six feet away from each other, following space markers in stores and routinely sanitizing our hands without a second thought.
But our social perceptions and general comfort level in public are taking time to catch up. And everyone will take a different time to adjust.
This pandemic has thrown everybody’s life through a loop and while it has brought out great goodness in much of our community and the world, it has also brought up issues that have become extremely divisive.
I am all for, and encourage, healthy discussion.
But over the last few weeks, topics have become more divisive, discussions have become more heated and there has been more general nastiness - especially online.
Tensions are high, but we are on the verge of opening Jasper’s gates to much-needed and welcome visitors and we cannot let fear rule our lives or allow xenophobia to creep in.
As we reach the recovery phase of Alberta’s COVID curve and adjust to our new normal we must be patient and kind with others.
If you notice something wrong in a store, restaurant or barbershop, don’t take a photo and complain online - mention something quietly to the manager. Everybody is learning and adjusting to this new environment.
Try to not let what other people are doing bother you - unless their behaviour is putting you or someone else in direct danger.
All we can do is follow public health directives and do what we can to keep ourselves and our families safe and healthy.
This spring has been tough but here is a light at the end of the tunnel - and by treating one another with positivity, kindness and respect, that light will shine over our community.
Fuchsia Dragon
