During this time of self-quarantining and social distancing we're experiencing uncharted territory. Being cut off from others means different things to each of us. For some, being home-bound is torture and to others it's a refreshing break from the norm and has made for extra productivity. Whatever your style, try to remember others by making brief phone calls, jotting short notes, sending texts, emails, Skype, Facetime or just cheerful shouts to neighbors, even strangers while outside getting fresh air. All of it means, "Hey I am thinking of you and wishing you well."
There are many ways to lend a helping hand. Your gestures can be small but they count now more than ever. Post a picture or hand lettered sign in a front window. Hang out your flag, put a string of colored lights in a window, if you live in a communal setting add your voice when people join together in an uplifting song. Start the tradition at home at a designated time each day. Or have each person share a piece of music they love--no judgments, all equally valid. Then discuss them. Get out old snapshots or albums and reminisce. Kids, especially, love to hear stories from their past. Decorate small rocks with uplifting words, phrases or colorful designs and leave them for others to find. Bake with the group, decorate cupcakes, make cookies, fudge, popcorn/popcorn balls, pizza, omelets or inventive sandwiches. Have an indoor picnic, a theme food night, play charades or whatever the group enjoys. Love can be expressed in many ways. Togetherness is the key. Caring, reaching out and sharing.
The Helping Hands Journal is a place to write the ways you are filling this strange time. Write all of it down because, this, too shall pass and reading about how it was today in 2020 will be a reminder of when we felt lost but how we made it through unscathed. Stay safe.
