We've officially reached that point of the COVID crisis. The one where most people are pretending it never happened, and it feels super awkward to be the only one in the crowd still wearing a mask.
This has especially been the case in schools.
It's a case study how we're hard-wired to fit in with the tribe at all costs. Because not fitting in could mean we're outcasts.
And being outcasts means we'll die in the wilderness without our tribe to protect us.
Except...that's not the case at all. We just feel like it is. Silly brain stuff...
One can still be afraid of getting sick from COVID. One can still want to take precautions. One can think everyone else is crazy for being so carefree, vaccine or no.
But in the end, the fear of standing out makes life stressful to a point where most eventually give in.
Unless we develop self-awareness. Then, we can see how our brains are working and make decisions based on logic rather than emotions.
Unless we stand up to bullies. Because people like to make fun of the one who's different. Only because it makes themselves feel better. And that silly stuff needs to be pointed out for what it is, too.
Because, sometimes, when we feel fear, it's not telling us what to avoid.
But signaling to us exactly what we need to do.