avatarMike Schoenhofer, MSW

Summary

The author reflects on the changed experience of shopping during a pandemic and expresses deep appreciation for essential workers, encouraging others to show gratitude through handwritten letters.

Abstract

The author of "Thoughts by Myself #11 — Appreciation" shares a personal shift in the enjoyment of grocery shopping, now overshadowed by the anxiety of potential virus exposure. The narrative underscores the ethical considerations of shopping frequency and the meticulous sanitation of purchased goods. It highlights the tension between personal safety and the desire for normalcy, such as physically inspecting produce. The piece evolves into a heartfelt acknowledgment of those in various essential services, from retail to healthcare, who continue to work despite the risks. The author resolves to not take these everyday heroes for granted and suggests a tangible way to express thanks—writing letters of appreciation to be sent via postal mail, a gesture that could brighten the spirits of those on the front lines.

Opinions

  • Shopping has transformed from a leisurely activity to an "epidemiological nightmare and ethical dilemma."
  • The author feels a heightened sense of caution, viewing purchased items as potential "foreign invaders" requiring quarantine.
  • There is a palpable anxiety in stores, with people donning protective gear and rushing through shopping.
  • The author admires essential workers, recognizing their contribution to daily life and their bravery in the face of risk.
  • There is a concern that the collective appreciation for essential workers might wane once the immediate risk diminishes.
  • The author advocates for maintaining a "sense of humble awareness" of the value these workers bring to society.
  • Writing a letter of thanks is proposed as a meaningful way to acknowledge the unseen efforts of essential workers.
  • The act of sending a physical letter is seen as a powerful and personal form of communication in the era of social distancing.

Thoughts by Myself #11 — Appreciation

Shopping Isn’t So Much Fun Anymore.

Sketch: Schoenhofer

I used to enjoy grocery shopping. I like to see what’s in the stores, browsing for something I didn’t know I even wanted, and finding it is something I can’t live without! Now shopping has become an epidemiological nightmare and an ethical dilemma. I should only go shopping once a week at the most, maybe even every two weeks to limit exposing myself and my fellow shoppers. I see anything entering the house as some kind of foreign invader that needs to be sprayed down, wiped off, or fumigated. How long do I need to quarantine it in the garage?

Going into the stores, you can feel the anxiety. People are wearing elaborate face coverings, plastic gloves, and trying to get in and out as soon as possible. I am even starting to judge people not wearing face coverings while trying to remember not to touch or pick up anything until I want it. How am I supposed to buy avocados without a little squeeze or a melon without a smell?

So Many People Take Care of Me

During this time, I find I appreciate people who work in retail, sanitation, restaurants, corrections, fire service, law enforcement, news and broadcast, hospital staff, postal service and others putting themselves at risk. I never realized how many people I need to do those “hidden” jobs so that I can stay home. I admire the mental health and addiction workers who go to work every day helping people during a time when the anxiety, fear and worry is in the air we breathe.

Perhaps I will be less likely to take them for granted. That is the biggest challenge I see. We are all very aware of these everyday heroes right now when the risk is the greatest. What happens when there is less risk? Can we maintain this sense of humble awareness of what a gift these people are to us?

We are so used to complaining, looking for problems, and worrying about ourselves. This is a time to step back a moment and think about those folks who are risking their health and maybe their lives to make sure we have what we need. Perhaps this is a time to thank these un-sung heroes working for us every day. They have to go to work while many of us can work from home.

Write a Letter of Thanks — Snail Mail!

Here’s something easy:

In this time of social distancing, I can’t shake someone’s hand, pat them on the back, or give them a hug. But I can write a letter. It’s so easy to write a letter of complaint when we get worked about some wrong that happened. What about a letter of appreciation?

Send a letter to your favorite grocery store, news station, fire station, police station or coffee shop thanking them for their service. You know, like an actual letter with an envelope and a stamp! I suspect your message will get posted on the employee bulletin board.

Wouldn’t that be a brilliant way to reach out and let people know how much we appreciate their work for us?

I have a whole new appreciation for these fellow citizens who don’t look for any credit, because they are just doing their jobs, but who make such a massive difference in my life.

I am writing a letter right now.

Gratitude
Covid-19
Self-awareness
Self Love
Heroes
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