Resilience at a distance
Whilst flipping channels on TV the other night, I stumbled upon an episode of the animated sitcom Bob’s Burgers. I hadn’t seen very much of the show, and tuned in late, but had been looking for something to watch. However, a particular moment of the episode I watched stuck with me.
One of the episode’s focuses was on the creation of the Burger of the Day, and Bob’s struggle with writer’s block. He began with one idea, the Say Cheese Burger. The idea wasn’t well received, and it was clear that Bob had hit a slump.
As the episode had progressed, there comes a scene where his wife, Linda, takes a phone call from a customer asking for a Burger of the Day. Bob, still feeling discouraged, explained that the Burger of the Day had been a significant source of stress and that he didn’t create those anymore. Linda said to make the customer something anyway.
And then, the idea came to him. Bob finally had a Burger of The Day — the Runny Out of Thyme Burger, served with a runny fried egg. At long last, the burger for the customer was ready — except there was one small hitch. There was no customer. Linda made it up. Nevertheless, the Burger of the Day was here to stay, thanks to a kind word of encouragement.
That moment stood out to me in this age of social distancing. With so much information and unease surrounding the impacts of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, it is easy to be pessimistic about the world and one’s own path. We as human beings prefer to know that things are under control, that we know where things are going, and that what we do the next day will contribute not just to our immediate well-being but also keep the world on track.
However, we are in uncertain times, and the angst felt is palpable. No two situations are alike. There are more questions than answers, and trying to focus on getting through the day appears to be a concept that is easier said than done. That is especially the case for me, as I try to not only navigate my role in journalism (full time or freelance), but also as one of the more than 10 million millennials in the United States (according to AARP) who are caregivers.
As a result, the act of resilience is also something that is easier said than done.
During this time of unease and uncertainty, we the people have a renewed mission — to support each other and encourage each other.
In journalism, already trying to answer the question of struggling economic models and the impact of trust with the established rhetoric of “fake news” and “enemy of the people”, this is especially the case — as many reporters work around the clock to cover a story that is always developing, while at the same time struggle with resources to ensure it is covered.
In addition, while staff at news organizations work remotely, freelance journalists are wondering what their next gig will be, or how they will keep afloat financially. Everyone is balancing personal circumstances and professional commitments.
It therefore is imperative that support and encouragement is at the core of what we do moving forward, whether one is early in their career like I am or have been in this industry for decades, or if one is a general assignment reporter or covers a specific beat.
“We will get through this by staying connected to each other — even if we have to do it from a safe distance. We will survive by choosing actions that protect ourselves and our neighbors. And we will thrive by staying open to each other — by supporting and listening to people and practicing compassion, no matter what. We are all in this together.” — Katie Hawkins-Gaar, My Sweet Dumb Brain, March 17, 2020
It is important now more than ever that we band together, not just as journalists, but as a community of human beings to support, encourage and be there for each other — for when we are, we are resilient. We may be at a distance, but we can be resilient, and when we are resilient, we can help our audiences be better.
The news may be changing every second, but we can cover it better when we are at our best — and that starts with support and encouragement.
After all, as Katie Hawkins-Gaar put it in her newsletter, My Sweet Dumb Brain this week, and as Norah O’Donnell put it at the end of Wednesday’s CBS Evening News: “We are all in this together.”
Editor’s note: Further advice on mental health and coping during the coronavirus outbreak is available from the CDC web site. Additionally, if you or someone you know is in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, toll free, at 1–800–273-TALK (8255). You can also contact the Crisis Text Line, by texting HOME to 741741.
