Stay Calm and Carry on

I woke up this morning and wondered if I’d dreamed it all.

The virus, the social-distancing, the hoarding of toilet paper… Is it real?

As I study the horizon all seems calm. The sun is shining, birds are flying, and the world appears to be normal–But we all know different, don’t we?

This microscopic virus has us all running for cover. We’re binge-watching the news like never before, numbers and statistics shape our day while we heed the recommendations from top medical experts and government officials.

By now we recognize the hazards, rates, and protocols but I’d like to add a couple of more.

First, if you have an elderly neighbor who may not be mobile or perhaps has a compromised immune system–please check on them. Offer to pick up some groceries or prescriptions. Stay in touch with them during this uncertain time and if you haven’t seen them in a couple of days go investigate or call.

Offer to share a meal. Self-distancing or isolation doesn’t mean you can’t put some pasta into a container and share with your neighbor–whether elderly or not.

Don’t allow yourself to go down the rabbit hole of hysteria or panic. This situation will pass eventually. There will still be food, paper products, and medical services. The world will not end. Try to be patient–I know that’s easier said than done.

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Finally, my advice is to be kind–to your neighbor, to yourself, and to the rest of the world. Check your biases and prejudices at the door. Assigning blame or finger-pointing is never acceptable. Don’t become a bully or a know-it-all. The world is in this thing together. It’s not about what one nation has, or did, or didn’t do–it simply doesn’t matter.

If you can’t be kind–then be quiet.

Stay safe. Stay healthy.

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