The America We Hope For After COVID-19

Despite our suffering due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we face a unique opportunity to reset our thinking to have a more positive impact as a collective

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How we squander our hours of pain. How we gaze beyond them
into the bitter duration.

— Rainer Maria Rilke

The America we hope for should embody resilience. It should also be a reflection of her people. By the same token, the America we hope for should emerge healthier and stronger from this COVID-19 pandemic so that we can have confidence in our collective future. 

In this new and bizarre world, we must rise above petty differences and divisions if we hope to be a stronger and more forward-thinking society. In the light of the dire circumstances we face, our laser-like focus should be on the greater good — a greater good that uplifts and motivates us to adhere to our better selves.

As we find our way through the pits and valleys of the COVID-19 crisis, we longingly hope for leaders with deep reservoirs of empathy that touch and encourage us to keep going in the face of insurmountable challenges. Nonetheless, as we barrel forward in the dark amid immense and inconsolable suffering and loss, let us strive for consistency; let us become positive and better role models for our children who are traumatized and racked by fear and anxiety about their uncertain futures.

Going forward, let us engender honesty, integrity, ethics, and values that reflect a higher calling. 

Moreover, let us rebuild from the inside out in preparation for the other threats that are upon the horizon. Yet, although there are some among us who hope for America’s invaluable assets to be shared by all of us equally and unequivocally, there are also those who disagree. Still, depriving them shelter for their beliefs serves us no good. 

Is it too much to ask for a post- COVID-19 America to be more aware of our collective responsibility towards each other? Shouldn’t we be more appreciative of our unique position in the free world, clearer and more cognizant of the power we hold to choose leaders who reflect us as we truly are; leaders who see beyond our physical representations in this world? 

Is it too much to ask for an America to come together as one instead of disparate factions cordoned off by man-ordained borders of red and blue? Surely, it is not too much to ask for adherence to our country’s laws and principles. As citizens and residents, we are required to follow laws to keep a sense of order and flow in our lives, but shouldn’t we hope for an America where everyone will strive to uplift our country’s reputation in all ways?

Despite our deep suffering, disappointing setbacks, and incredible loss due to COVID-19…

The virus affords us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reset our thinking to have a more positive impact as a collective.

Instead of viewing our mandated time behind closed doors as an inconvenience or as a punishment, we can challenge our collective mindset with courage and fortitude.

Although we are sheltered in our homes, this is not the time to feel sorry for ourselves. We must take care of ourselves and each other so that, when the time comes to re-enter society, our physical, emotional, and spiritual immune systems will be fortified enough to deal with existing and ongoing challenges. 

We must realize this is not a time to just relax; this is not the time for recalcitrance. Even as we take care of ourselves physically, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually we must truthfully face what this entire episode means in our lives. We must ask ourselves how we can go forward when we are too petrified to make plans for the future. As we haltingly shuffle toward the unknowable, we need to consider taking back our lives. 

For too long, we have given over our power to leaders who are undeserving of our trust. Fortunately, COVID-19 has finally laid bare the inequalities and disparities we marinated in for so long. We now have the opportunity to acknowledge the responsibility we all share in bringing us to this moment. Now is the time to take back all we have willfully squandered from those who misused and mishandled our trust for their advantage. 

Truly, it is only we, individuals, who can reshape our lives in ways we have always dreamed of.

Regardless of our political affiliations, our racial backgrounds, our economic differences, or our religious beliefs, we only have ourselves and each other. Let us not squander this precious opportunity by bickering or by allowing antiquated or misguided divisions to bog us down further.

All things considered, for us to thrive in the aftermath of the debilitating and overwhelming tragedy of COVID-19, we need to stay steady and centered, only looking back to reflect and to learn from our mistakes. Simply put, it is only by applying well-thought-out, rational, and strategic solutions steeped in reality that we can thrive in this new world which is hurtling rapidly towards us. 

To truly regain a sense of control, we need to strengthen our selves from the inside out; to commit to realigning our thoughts, words, and deeds in ways that will enhance our livelihoods on this planet. Undoubtedly, our environment reflects who we are as a society and a people. Now we can finally see how broken our society has become. With this in mind, maybe it is time to collectively and individually look within to see what has fractured so deeply within our lives; to figure out what garnered such a horrendous fall from grace; to think out of the box for a healthier future.

In the long run, as many of us hope for a new America that is humane to all, let us realize that we cannot ignore our self-actualization as individuals.

To be fully present as a collective, we must first be present as individuals. This will take work and consistent commitment if we want to emerge more whole as a people and a country after the threat of COVID-19 has subsided. Here and now, we can decide to renew our collected hopes for a new America, one that will once again inspire and motivate the world.

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