I’m OK

Fawn Lake at sunrise on a cold February morning

I am fine. This is not to say that this isn’t a weird and difficult time; I am experiencing stress in many forms. But in general I am OK: no one in my family has gotten gravely ill; my finances can withstand this situation; no one in my household is facing major anxiety issues; and my kids are happy and healthy.

I realize this is not the case for a lot of people. Many, many people are anxious for their own health and for their loved ones. Millions don’t have adequate income. Media and government responses to this crisis have been conflicting and confusing and recommendations change rapidly.

I have had conversations with several people, though, who ask how I am, and my response is “Oh, I’m fine.” That used to be an automatic response for a lot of people, and it’s not anymore. The people to whom I’ve said this have reacted with some surprise; apparently that is no longer a standard answer. And everyone who has commented to me on my saying “I’m fine” has said that it’s refreshing to hear that. They’re hearing a lot of doom and gloom. Depression. Anxiety. Fear. Stress.

Those are all valid reactions right now. But I would encourage you to think about whether you are OK. Do you have what you need? Are you safe and healthy? Are your close friends and family safe and healthy? If the answers are no, you have my sympathy and you should feel free to reach out to anyone who might be able to help! But if the answers are yes to those questions, try thinking of yourself as being “fine.” If you have adapted to this quarantine life, if you are making the best of it, if your only problem is that you’re bored and stir crazy — be fine with that. It will lift you and others around you up if you’re able to say “I’m fine” and mean it.