I’ve received some birthday messages today that inevitably devolve into something related to the pandemic/muh vaccines/insert fear-mongering talking point here.
I was told by two friends who had no issue going to Florida with me last March that I’m no longer allowed to go with them this February, because I don’t believe in vaccine mandates and “it would be wrong for them to go with someone who doesn’t believe in the power of the vaccine and how it has helped [insert city with issues] so much.” Meanwhile, it’s apparently not hypocritical for them to go to Florida—a state adamantly against mandates—just like AOC.
Not to get too personal on here, but I started really recovering from a life-altering injury right about the time the pandemic started. The world shut down right as I was ready to try to re-enter it.
And now it has consumed the lives of everyone around me, aside from my immediate family.
It seems I can’t have a conversation with people anymore without something about vaccines/COVID coming up in conversation. It’s becoming insanely lonely, as I’m still in my 20s and feeling like I have no one my age who is also awake. I have one friend who is at least hesitant and questioning. The rest just continue to follow the herd. They were normal, functioning, even incredibly supportive friends until the party told them to turn.
All I want for my birthday is for the movie to be over. For some semblance of hope that we’re still cleaning up the mess. I was hoping that would come with Fauci and Walensky testifying today, but it looks like nothing will happen to them once again.
Sorry for venting. Just feeling beat up on what should be a celebratory day. And wondering what it’s going to take to get common sense and camaraderie back in the country and my life.
EDIT: still working through replying to everyone, but a quick comment to say thank you to the mods for stickying this thread, and for everyone who commented here with birthday wishes, advice, and support. I am immensely grateful for you all and this place each and every day. My own extended blood family couldn’t be bothered to contact me today, but my pede fam showed once again that the best company are the frens you make along the way.
Happy Birthday, fren. Sorry you're feeling down and alone, but I can promise you one thing, you are not alone. We all want this to end as quickly as possible. Every generation seems to have it's trials and I sincerely pray this will be the one and only serious trial your generation will ever have to face.
Being cooped up with an injury for so long, then thwarted just as you were ready to re-enter society must be rough, because while most of the world has been dealing with this for about 2 years, it must feel much longer to you. One thing I will suggest that I believe would help you tremendously is this - instead of looking at this as an isolating situation in your life, look at it as an opportunity to expand your knowledge. When else will you have this much time to do so? When you might usually be hanging out with friends and now can't, use that time to really build yourself up. Put on the full armour of God. Study, study, study. Exercise, get stronger, lift weights. Learn about diet and nutrition and make YOU the best you that you can be. Also, use the time to study one (or more) subjects of particular interest to you. How about - The Constitution? Most Americans are woefully ignorant on this important subject. You could make it your area of expertise. Or American history - or history in general.
You don't know yet how important YOU are going to be to your generation. You may be the one lone voice crying in the wilderness and may, at some point in the future, need to pick up the reigns and lead your former friends and others from your generation out of the darkness and into the light of the future. Be PREPARED by making yourself as fit as a soldier and as knowledgeable as a wise man.
Good luck. Hopefully, this will only be one of many, many, more and many better and brighter birthdays to come. God bless, fren.
Thank you for the well wishes and the advice.
I have been steadily fixing my diet and exercise regimen since this began—the upside of being injured for so long was all I could focus on was healing myself physically, mentally, and spiritually. The timing just happened to be the opposite of the rest of the world; I am glad that I am well enough and awake enough to see through the fear.
I will have to revisit the Constitution as well as the Federalist Papers. I had some tremendous history teachers—in public school, no less—that pushed us to study those documents in depth. I likely wouldn’t have gotten the same history lessons if I wasn’t in AP classes in my district, but I’m grateful regardless. I’m attempting to learn how to code from home as well for the time being.
I definitely need to keep working on getting tougher skin if I’m ever in a position to lead on that scale. That’s been far slower to develop so far. I tossed the defiance aside in elementary school when I wanted to fit in with everyone else; now I know that was the opposite of what I should’ve been doing. Just have to get back to it.
Thanks for your kind words, and your better take on the situation. It’s not often you get to patiently prepare for what’s come; here’s hoping we have more frens when we get to the other side.
That is awesome to hear! -- That you had teachers that actually taught about those important aspects of not only our history, but our present! I seldom hear that.
You seem to have a good head on your shoulders and you're still quite young. But yes, preparing yourself is an excellent use of your time and will give back to you in so many ways. You just don't yet know how or when, but whenever the call comes in, you'll be ready. Honestly, I wish there was a way we could get together in groups (safely find each other irl) because I know there are so many people who feel the way you do and it would be a mercy to be able to meet other like minded people face to face. Maybe some day that will be possible. Take care, fren.