3/15/2020 Purpose = health
I hope this message finds all of you well, and I send my love as you adapt to the changes the pandemic is causing for you.
I am aware daily of how privileged I am in this moment. I have a job that allows me to work from home if needed, I have good sick leave and insurance, I don't have to worry that my employer will close or reduce my hours. And, I feel strongly my obligation to assist others who are not so lucky.
One of the best strategies to deal with anxiety and fear is to reconnect with a sense of purpose. It has never been clearer that we are all in this together: the health of any of us depends on the health of all of us. And there is a great deal we can do to support the health of those around us. Most of these ideas are not mine; I'm passing them along to spark your own creativity. Share yours, too - what works for you?
Buying gift certificates/cards from small local businesses gives them cash now, to help ride out the impact on cash flow of fewer people going out to shop. You can often do this online if you'd rather not go out.
Support a local restaurant by getting a meal to go. If you can, add a larger than usual tip.
If you are stocking up on essentials at the grocery store, add a few extra items to share with a neighbor who might be reluctant to leave home because of their own health concerns.
Offer to babysit for an hour or two for a parent whose kids are home due to school closures.
Call someone in a nursing home or care facility where visitors have been banned or restricted.
Make a donation of time or cash to your local food bank, shelter, or other organization that will be helping the most vulnerable among us. Every dollar will help them support our communities in the weeks to come.
Monitor your own health carefully, and follow all the guidelines: wash hands thoroughly and often, cough into your elbow, stay home if you feel ill.
Invent new, fun, "social distance" greetings: mimic your favorite football player's end zone dance or your favorite baseball player's home run trot; use jazz hands; bow deeply, salute briskly, smile broadly.
Social distance does not have to mean social isolation. We have these beautiful (and sometimes annoying) devices that can keep us connected. Use them.
And, we can offer our friends, family, co-workers, and community members as much grace as possible. We won't know what each person we encounter might be going through. (The truth is, we never do.) Anxiety, fear, and stress can make us irritable, short-tempered, impatient. We can be tempted to judge one another (she's over-reacting, buying all that toilet paper! He's putting people at risk, shaking hands!). It will help our physical, mental, and emotional health if we respond with compassion and kindness.
Whatever this pandemic means for you, know that you are not alone. We are all in this together. If there is something you need, let me know. If I can't provide it, maybe I know someone who can.
Sent with love and gratitude,
Liz