Please know:
It's okay to be afraid.
It's okay to be sad.
It's okay to be angry.
It's also okay to feel grateful
if you and your family are safe.
If your home,
your town,
and your community are all fine,
that's okay.
You don't need to feel guilty
because others are worse off than you.
And it's okay if you do feel guilty.
It's okay to feel whatever you're feeling.
And it's okay to recognise
when you can't handle any more big emotions
and allow yourself to numb out
on Netflix,
or chocolate,
or any other coping mechanism
that doesn't hurt you or others.
Feel what you're feeling.
Cope however you need to.
And in between
do what is within your reach
to help your fellow beings.
And please know
that this too
shall pass.
[Words and photo by me, as always, unless otherwise stated.]