Connecting While Distancing Will Define Us

The COVID 19 virus is testing us in every aspect of our lives in unprecedented ways. Life as we’ve known it has been undermined by this insidious microbe that has turned our world upside down. We’re going to get through this if we can come together (not in a physical sense) but in a collective sense to do our respective part to minimize the spread of this contagious nasty bug. However, social distancing must not preclude connection.

For those less fortunate and who have less resources, the financial impact of lost work and wages can translate into fears of how they will pay their rent, put food on their table or gas in their car. For those having to work at home while caring or schooling their children, this new reality can test the best of patience and fry nerves. For those with greater reserves and resources, their financial assets have been dramatically affected with the largest stock market drop since 1987, compromised business revenue and/or significant supply chain interruptions causing real anxiety and sleepless nights of an impending recession.

Each person’s situation is unique and varies in complexity. What matters most is how we respond during these challenging times. We can retreat and only focus on ourselves or we can think more resourcefully to broaden our concern for others. Doing so will save lives and define us as individuals once we look back on lessons learned once we are in recovery mode. If we remain positive while keeping in mind a vision of returning to a better “us” than before COVID hit, we can emerge from these hard times with a greater appreciation of the things that matter and confidence in our resilience. To get through this escalating mess, we all must do our part to adhere to the CDC recommendations on ways to limit spread of the virus (CDC precaution recommendations) while demonstrating compassion for others. If you see or learn of others who aren’t practicing the necessary behaviors to mitigate risk of spreading the virus, be bold in the moment to gently ask them to do the right thing to protect themselves and other. Taking this action can save one or more lives.

I know people who aren’t taking this pandemic seriously and think the drastic measures being taken are overblown. This attitude quickly changes when someone you know is tested positive (with no or little symptoms) or perhaps are seriously ill in an ICU or died suddenly. The growing numbers of cases and deaths becomes real when it hits close to home to someone you love.

I believe our country can emerge stronger and more united than we’ve been for the last few years. If we each take self-responsibility and stay connected to the more vulnerable persons we know (elderly, immune-suppressed, singles) leveraging cell or video conferencing, we can minimize the feelings of isolation. Let them know you are there for them and just checking on them. Dropping off food at their door, picking up their medications, sharing essential supplies or assuring them you are a phone call away can brighten a dark day for another. Hold dear the promise that these unchartered waters will settle back to new equilibrium with time. Dig deep to find your mental toughness while exercising flexibility to roll with the inevitable changes ahead. Take a moment to acknowledge and feel gratitude for our dedicated, brave community workers, healthcare professionals and volunteers who are helping us through this ordeal with exhausting, long hours. Have faith in the scientists to find an effective treatment and a vaccine for future prevention of the coronavirus. For now, let’s all be vigilant, think and act at a higher level of awareness and tolerance of others. Take stock in what’ s important as we’re on this roller coaster together whether we like it or not.

“No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it.”

Albert Einstein