Confession: I have been feeling like I have been failing.
In light of all that is happening with the coronavirus, and the various issues at play, one would think that now is the time for public health experts to shine. This is a public health issue. One would also think that now it is the time for social justice advocates to shine because we desperately need some social justice up in here.
Public health and social justice advocate are descriptors that I would say I aspire to be. So now is the time for me to put my training and knowledge to work, and activate. Right?!
Instead, I have been struggling just to process all that is going on. And for this, I feel guilty. I feel guilty for not being able to jump into action sooner.
But I also know that I need to be more forgiving to myself. I have acted. I, too, am human. I, too, have a lot on my plate. And what good is it if I’m helping the world, but leaving myself and my ʻohana at the door.
I anticipate that this will be an on-going process of needing to pause from time to time to check-in with myself and ensure that my needs and my ʻohana’s needs are cared for. However, now I feel myself switching gears.
And activate!
True to my process, I have been observing, absorbing, and digesting as best as possible all that has been occurring. The daily updates and developments are overwhelming in itself, at times. Nevertheless, I feel a couple of ideas bubbling up as to ways that I can be most helpful and serve the lāhui.
But I also would like to know your manaʻo. How can I best serve you? How can I help?