The pandemic is affecting all of us. Not just me, not only you, but also the marginalized. I sat down tonight and tried to write out a note to my autistic sister, tried to tell her why life is so strange. She processes information better when she can read it and internalize it. I tried to contextualize it into terms she could understand, and I failed. I’ll work on another draft tomorrow.

In many ways, who we are can be defined by who we protect. Do we value freedom of speech, even for the opposite side of the political spectrum, for the sanctity of liberty it provides? Do we insist on accessibility for all, even when it’s not an issue for us personally? Do we contribute to the system, even if it doesn’t benefit us personally?

That is how we will dig ourselves out of this hole. That is how we will return to whole. By thinking with consideration, by acting with respect. There is much more beyond “me.” Through achieving global consciousness, we can change the world.