Naked and Afraid (and not alone)

Naked and Afraid. The Discovery Channel series pits humans against nature as they spend 21 days in unfathomable conditions, naked and afraid, and oh so brave as they face whatever is thrown at them. Or slithers by. Or could be their next meal. They do this by choice. They enter with one rating of their ‘survivalist skills’ and are judged again as they leave. Let’s get real, nobody does this to get a higher skill rating. They do it each for their own individual reasons, a need to overcome and prove to themselves they can do this. Today’s true survivors include our front-line health-care workers and first resopnders, bless each and every one who survives this marathon, helping others through one day at a time. To all the essential workers who get up every day and step into public-facing situations when we are told to keep our distance, thank you.

For the rest of us non-essential workers, we may find ourselves (comfortably) clothed, sheltered in our home with our foraging limited to the nearest markets or on-line delivery options. Even with this we still have each had to dig deep to find our own survival skills. We have each had to face fears in our own unique set of circumstances navigating a Covid-19 infected world. Some are sheltered alone, and lonely. Others with family of all sizes and ages, roommates or loved ones with varying degrees of shared meals and activities filling the time and learning to adapt. Some have lost loved ones, or been sick and recovered. Others less fortunate are reliant on food banks and support from outside. Some stuck with tormentors, and some have been able to escape. There are some countries who have been more proactive in removing those in need to safer places. With beds available more easily at this time, I applaud the efforts of the first responders and government partners along with the hotels and Airbnb partners who have aided this effort to free from harm those that need it. These are the true survivors.

For those who have survived to keep working, the realities of remote work and endless video calls, looking at ourselves mirrored back constantly is a real (first-world) challenge. When we change our morning ritual from getting ready for work – getting dressed, preparing a meal, commuting, and being communal with co-workers to pulling on sweats and opening our laptop, it is tough to be as mentally prepared to focus on work and yet we must be sharper than ever as each day seems to bring a new set of rules to adapt to. For many the work overwhelms as the support systems in our organizations are diminished and yet we cannot complain because we have survived another day.

Uncertainty. Climbing mountains and navigating stormy waters, caught without the tools to get to our destination, this is the time we need our survivalist skills. For those who have not survived the cuts organizations felt forced to make, the routine, rituals and comfort in a known role are gone. Understanding where you fit can be like putting on pants with a zipper after months without, just a little uncomfortable. To get through the feeling of steering without a rudder requires patience and tenacity, and a willingness to accept that right now so much is unknown by so many. Every day as I talk to our SITE family members, we hear the challenges and fears, the successes and the support and it all matters. What those of us who have been in this position before know is that the opportunity we get next will prove itself to be a better course over time. Whatever you are afraid of now, know that you are not alone. Get over the fear of the first phone call or text or post that says I need help, and ask for it. There is always someone ready to listen and lend a hand, but they won’t know unless you tell them you are not ok, you are in fact, just human. Together, we will all get to the other side.