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How The Pandemic Inspired A US Sailor To Become A Writer
The pandemic was one of the best things to ever happen to me
“Petty Officer Cotton, I have a question for you: What do you want?”
My therapist asked me this question one year ago — right before the start of the pandemic. At that time, I was visiting him on a weekly basis. I was in a rough place during that time in my life. I was depressed, battling night terrors, and figuring out my place in life.
Naturally, this became a good reason to go to therapy.
“Well I want to do something that makes me happy. (Obviously). I’m not sure what that is yet. Usually, work makes me happy.”
“Does it really?”
“Well yes and no. It doesn’t truly make me happy, but it keeps me from dwelling too much about the bad shit I’ve dealt with. It keeps me busy. Keeps me moving. That’s enough. But right now, it’s not working anymore. Actually, I feel more lost than ever.”
“You’re right. You are lost. But it’s the lack of work that’s bringing you down. You lack meaningful work — you lack purpose.”
It was during this time that the pandemic screwed up life as we knew it. Shit got worse for everyone. Talking to each other got worse. Working and making money got…
