I haven’t had time for much these days, especially reflection.
No matter how hard I try to keep focus on the national stage, my thoughts fall back to my store.
On our windows, shining out onto Tinker Street, are two (Instagram famous) pieces I’ve shared here for you non-local folk.
We’re leaving a time when so many of us felt the calling to repeat sentiments of kindness and unity like those decorating my practice. They’re simple and obvious.
They cost nothing to express and their expression takes from no one. We proclaim them not to be radical or oppositional; we consider them minimum competency in a decent, prosperous world.
Words matter, as we have been reminded over the past four years.
But I think inaction is to blame for most of our woes. Too many sit with idle hands, vibrating in place, absorbing fears fed to them from their propaganda machine of choice.
Inside my shop, there is no stillness.
Our people are rising to meet the challenge of our time in an unparalleled manner. Before, we led with clear directions, strategies, and hope. Now, we seize another opportunity—THE opportunity—to help people ease the suffering caused by the pandemic, and the team has taken nearly the full weight of that heavy lifting to restore health, wellness, security, and peace of mind to anyone and everyone we can.
Wednesday brought the speech of Biden’s career, and it was so simple and from the heart. He implored us all to continue do good works and use kinder, truthful language. For many of us, it was an official confirmation that we were right: the world needs EXACTLY the kind of work we’ve given it for the last four years, and well before then too.
It was a call for others to let go of the tensions. To occupy their minds with concerns for others. To occupy their time and idle hands with work for our common good.
And that’s what this transitional time means to me.
The grown-ups are here.
We’re committed to truth, respect, inspiration, and equality. We’re ready and willing to roll up our sleeves because we know we are not entitled to whatever comfortable fantasy these charlatans are selling. We have to build the better tomorrow, starting in our communities.
I’m proud to say the work and the spirit needed to navigate the days ahead is alive and well in my corner of the world.
Fill your days spreading truths, shutting down misinformation, and sharing words of inspiration and hope.
Give. Give more than you ask of the world, and do more for others for no reason other than you can.
It’s simple. It’s obvious. It’s about time.
Just trying to keep it real…
Neal Smoller, PharmD
Owner, Pharmacist, Big Mouth
