There has been a lot of FEAR, NEGATIVITY, and JUDGEMENT, BUT I also think there have been incredible stories of HOPE. These are the situations within our world that make us come together, that help us see others, that remind us of the human spirit and that we are all connected.
Over the weekend I watched the televised in-home concerts of musicians all around the world & reminded my daughter that she will never see anything like this again. It is wonderful to see so many come together no matter what religion, what political party, no matter what state or fame they may have. It has been incredible to see people singing from rooftops around the world & coordinating via social media times to celebrate and cheer on the frontline health workers who are working tirelessly. It is humbling to see the photos of hospital workers’ faces bruised and bleeding from wearing the masks and equipment for so long. It is heartbreaking to hear the stories that one spouse died, but the other survived or that a couple both passed within hours of one another while holding hands.
There are soo many stories that break, that humble, that touch us on a deeper level. We need this emotion, this unearthed sensitivity to those around us, to a world that is broken but also needs so much healing. In a way, this is a very big wake-up call on many levels. May we listen and may we humbly pray for healing and to be where we need to be to learn, to love and to serve.
I look out my windows and I see so many people out walking with their loved ones and it is a beautiful thing to see people connecting. I have never seen so many people outside. Being outside is itself a healing gift that is given daily for those who take advantage of it. It is wonderful to see so many Fathers out playing or doing yard work with their children. We are seeking good things together and that is a very good thing.
May you continually seek good. May you take this time, as my husband calls it, “a hold.” The world seems to be on hold and everyone is waiting for the outcome. Instead of being ON HOLD May we have HOPE and HOLD ON TOGETHER.
POSITIVE THINGS TO HELP FIND THE GOOD:
Go to MSN Good News and daily read the new stories that are GOOD.
Get outside. Go on a walk, a bike ride, garden, do chalk art, take pictures, anything that feeds the soul.
Limit the news and media. There is soo much that can and will bring you down. If you can focus on good stories then you will feel better. Plus you need to be careful with what sources you believe. There are truth and lies out there, so be aware. Be safe.
Do drive-by LOVE. My sister-in-law had a birthday & her friends decorated their own cars and did a special parade in front of her home to let her know she was loved. My little family put together little “Quarantine Kits” full of popcorn, a movie, a little family activity and dropped them by to everyone in my family. We kept our distance but dropped them some love.
Keep those at risk safe: Inform family and friends that your loved one is following the guidelines and is at risk. We made care packages for loved ones at risk full of activities, movies, little gifts to open, word searches, puzzles, etc. Anything to help them with boredom. Keep in touch with them for any personal needs.
Ways to Serve: Think of ways you could serve safely at this time.
Meals on wheels may be looking for people to help. Here is a link you can contact https://meals-on-wheels.com/sign-up-to-be-an-on-call-volunteer/?mod=article_inline
Call your local food bank to see if they have anything you can do to help.
Call and check on neighbors via text or phone. Many people are also face-timing or gathering many people together on zoom. Connect. You can also help out a great org that is reaching out to elderly https://mailchi.mp/39f288f79cd8/dorots-passover-package-delivery-sunday-march-2661959?e=f071038a0e
Care & Share Another great service that is connecting people with helping others with personal needs https://www.mutualaidhub.org/
Thank your local heroes. There are grocery store workers, delivery personnel, teachers who are teaching from a new platform they are not use to, local health workers, local police and fire….so many to list, but do something to show your thanks and that you care. Bake cookies, make signs, write notes of thanks, etc. In my neighborhood someone put a large thank you note on our local elementary & hung a line out in front for others to drop a note of thanks to the local teachers. So sweet.
Connect through fun. Someone drew chalk quotes all along my local walking path. It was so inspiring and fun to see someone trying to spread good. One of my dear friends who lives two hours away from me was telling me how here tiny town had a few cars decorated and they were driving down the neighborhood roads honking and inviting others to join in their parade. They were trying to lift spirits of others.
Buy local. Get out of your house and get lunch, grab dinner to go and have a picnic. Use your local resources and help them continue to survive.
Make your own sanitizer from home: [from market watch article] Anne Marie Helmenstine, who holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences, posted a tutorial online for how to make it. It may take your mind off the plunge in the stock markets, although some health experts say homemade versions may not be very effective. Here are the ingredients and equipment you would need:
- 2/3 cup 99% rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) or ethanol
- 1/3 cup aloe vera gel
- 8-10 drops essential oil, optional (such as lavender, vanilla, peppermint, grapefruit)
- Bowl and spoon
- Funnel
- Recycled liquid soap or hand sanitizer bottle
Take care of YOU. Be KIND and focus on LOVE over FEAR. We WILL get through this and if we can find the GOOD then we will come out better in the end.
Peace, Love and Light to you today. -H
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