The reason we embrace these adaptations long-term? Cause they work in the short term! You get positive feedback and so you get better at all these quick fixes and forms of avoidance. But you never learn to REALLY deal with the problem going on deep down. So you just keep running
-
-
But I acknowledge there are also the toxic forms of acceptance, like ASAP going to unbridled panic (note: obviously not talking about people with anxiety disorders, etc), and I admit a lot of times i’m making plans for problems that will never come up.
Show this thread -
There’s no right “kind” of response, at different times we need all five. But within them, we need the healthy versions. And in the last week of corona, I wish I was seeing those healthy reactions, instead we’re seeing so many toxic reactions in the time we need each other most.
Show this thread -
We’ve seen the worst of people in the way they raid grocery stores, stock up and try to sell necessary goods at high cost, or showcase jaw-dropping myopia in just how much they don’t care if they get a cold and others die. It’s sickening, honestly.
Show this thread -
Weirdly twitter seems to be the most plugged into the realities of danger (or maybe that’s not weird at all). Meanwhile all my conversations with family have been GAHHH. So many people are brushing it off with “oh, it will be fine” - “we’re not like Italy” - "not here!" etc.
Show this thread -
One relative, knowing I was self-quarantining literally suggesting I leave the house and interact with people to get some good food. But the time I convinced people that “I need you to take x seriously,” it immediately shifted to become, “okay, now I need you not to panic.”
Show this thread -
As a society, we’re so bad at fear in particular. And adults are the WORST at it. We deny it, then we jump to panic or irrational anger, or find all these ways to try and hold onto something that makes sense, as the danger keeps sliding closer and closer.
Show this thread -
These last few weeks even gave me a gnarly flashback to 2015. Because when Trump announced he was running, I was petrified from second one. I knew he could win. And yet it was the same jokes and disbelief, and I watched it all unfold with this pit in my stomach.
Show this thread -
He was elected because so many forgot (or never knew) the old adage about how a politician stokes the fires of fascism, for “ it does not take cunning, nor great communication, nor guile, nor insight, nor brilliant strategy… all it takes is no character.”
Show this thread -
History provides the answer to how this keeps happening. I saw a similar sense of surprise on twitter with people asking, “how did CONTAGION predict all this?” The answer is Scott Burns did very basic research and the CDC said “it will happen like this.” and then he wrote it.
Show this thread -
When we’re aware and accept the realities of what can happen and why, there aren’t surprises... There is just openly facing that which we must face.
Show this thread -
Stuff like this can happen so easily, all the time, everywhere. Our economies are made of paper. Most Americans a rent check away from despair. And as much as people don’t like it, we all constantly depend on one another to hold up the social contract.
Show this thread -
Which is why I struggle when people don’t take these threats as seriously as they should. When you’re hyper attune to danger, these situations feel like you are always watching a car crash happen in slow motion. It makes you feel helpless and scared, for we should KNOW BETTER.
Show this thread -
And it’s just then I have remind myself of everything I’ve learned, that the path forward is the same route of acceptance. That we are scared. That it’s okay to be scared. That’s it’s good for me to talk and get this off my chest. And know we have to keep doing what we can do.
Show this thread -
Because in the end, the emotion has a true, healthy, incredible purpose. Fear is what keeps us alive. <3
Show this thread
End of conversation
New conversation -
Loading seems to be taking a while.
Twitter may be over capacity or experiencing a momentary hiccup. Try again or visit Twitter Status for more information.