Reflection

Emily Apuzzo Hopkins | June 14, 2020

The last several months and the last few weeks, in particular, have been some of quiet introspection. I feel comfortable in saying that if you have not taken at least a moment to sit and think to yourself that you’re doing life wrong. 

Between the pandemic and the innocent Black lives taken too soon and the absolute throes we have spiraled into as result, that there have been plenty of causes to reflect. The problem with looking at what has happened or is happening around us is uncomfortable. It is terribly uncomfortable. It urges us to look at ourselves in flattering and unflattering lights. It encourages us to hold up the good for celebration and the bad for examination. It then quietly asks us, “What will you do next?”

If we do not at least consider what we have experienced in these reflective moments as information worthy of more than a passing glance, when will we ever learn? Will we ever truly grow if we do not call these moments out in our lives as ones of major change and upheaval both inward and outward? All this to say, we must do the work and make the changes. We must adapt to our surroundings or what… die?

Prior to sitting down to compose this piece. I had noticed how I had not written here in a while. And before I was quick to judge my lack of action, I paused. Was there a reason? Was it necessary over the past few weeks to tap into my being as opposed to the doing? Yes.

And that is exactly what reflection proposes we do once in a while.