YOU ARE ESSENTIAL

As I sit down writing these words, millions of people around the world have become unemployed over the last 7 weeks - that's math I can't even do.

It pains me a lot to see what's going on around the world. It hurts me to read news and articles relating to this topic. Honestly, everyone is affected by COVID19 in some ways, to a certain degree. Such heartache, anxiety... My heart goes out to everyone.

Along the way, a new sort of conversation began emerging in public discourse: essential and non-essential workers.

Who is an essential worker? What are essential businesses? Which industries are essential and which are not?

Medical experts and government leaders have debated these phrases countless times around the world - often times arriving at drastically different conclusions.

Regardless of the end results, "essential" workers were allowed to continue, "non-essentials" were asked to stay at home - and if you're lucky - work from home.

What hurts me a lot is reading how many of the "non-essential" workers, ones who do not have the choice of working from home, have lost their livelihood.

Drastic pay cuts have been made, employees have been sacked, some businesses are shutting down because they cannot sustain themselves anymore, and the list goes on...

If you are one of them, if you are hurting right now, let me offer some thoughts.


First of all, if you are an essential worker and have been putting yourself out there for the society, thank you so much. From stocking shelves, driving trucks, delivering food, to being the first respondent, working tirelessly in hospitals and clinics, thank you for the incredibly hard work and extra hours you've been putting in ever since the temporary lockdowns began.

BUT equally important, if your work or business has been classified as non-essential, please know that YOUR work is essential to us. In almost every case, your work is needed, your talent is appreciated, and your dedication to serving others is required for all of us. You are essential and I hope you are back to work soon.

If you think the rush and the hoard for toilet paper was bad, wait till barbers and salons are open. Everyone will be busy scheduling a haircut or a hairdo at the same time.


And lastly, please know that even though your work is deemed non-essential, your LIFE is not! YOU ARE ESSENTIAL TO SOMEBODY, EVERY SINGLE DAY.

So make the most of every opportunity to:

- care for your health and well-being
- love your family/spouse/friends
- offer hope and love to everyone you see

Live your life with intention and purpose (not a Justin Bieber reference, thankyouverymuch)

You are important, you are essential to someone. No one can ever take that away from you.


Be safe everyone x