A friend and I were talking about this crazy pandemic and he said he received some good advice from a co-worker: “You just have to take things in stride, man.” It made sense, he said, this guy is older, he knows things, he’s lived. Turns out the wise guy is the same age as me.

Am I wise? I guess in many ways I am. I’ve worked for big business and small business and everything in between; I’ve been the boss and the newby; I’ve been held in high esteem and I’ve been bullied. I’ve been a workaholic, I’ve been out of work, I’ve been on salary, and done piece work. I have lived on both coasts of Canada and finally found my home in the middle. I’ve had a few big romances, and was alone longer than all of them put together. I have held the hands of people as they passed out of this world, and I have lost many whom I cared for. I’ve had a gazillion dreams dashed, and a couple of really important dreams that came true. I have not been thin (there’s still time!) but I have lost and gained and lost and kept weight off for years, and now (thanks to the ‘COVID 15’!) I’m gaining again.

So, yeah, I’ve lived. Maybe now I can claim to be a little wise. And here’s what I have to say about ‘You just have to take it in stride’: it’s almost right, but it would help if you lose the word “just.”

You have to take things in stride, but that means your own stride. You don’t have to believe what I believe, you have to believe what you believe, be who you are, and get through this in your own way. If you tend to get anxious, let yourself be anxious and work your way through it. If you tend to be depressed, find someone to talk to, or stay in bed and cry and get back up when you’re ready. If you tend to tell jokes, find someone to tell them to, even if it’s strangers in cyberland. If you need to vent your energy, get up, move, go for a run, or a walk. Whatever you’re feeling, let it out and it won’t seem nearly as bad.

This wise old gal would also advise you to be kind. And, again, be kind in your own way, whether that means checking in on a friend or volunteering to help a stranger, if it means hugging your child, or simply keeping a harsh comment to yourself. Being kind to others is like sunshine and vitamins and winning the lottery… it makes you feel really good. Try it. And don’t be afraid to get addicted.

The most important thing to remember, I think, is that this is a point in time. Although it kind of feels like it these days, this crisis won’t last forever. It might seem that the world is crashing down on you, but never forget that the world revolves, and you will eventually be on top again. Hang on.