Connecting While Social Distancing
March 17, 2020 | by stephanie toews
As we navigate new waters amidst social distancing and ever-changing announcements, let us not forget to find ways to connect with one another and give back in fresh ways every day. We are blessed to live in a highly technologically advanced world where connecting virtually is easier than ever. Let's use our resources to be a blessing amidst the challenges. Here are some ways in which I believe we can reach out to others and remove some of our focus from self-preservation to stronger together mindsets.
- Headed to the grocery store? Send a quick text to friends, family, or elderly neighbors to see what you might pick up for them.
- Rather than hoard more supplies (ahem, toilet paper) than you could ever possibly use in a year, spare a couple from your stash for someone within your circle who is legitimately out of something.
- Share book collections since the library is currently closed to the public. Write your name inside and leave them on the front porch for friends and neighbors to pick up.
- While distancing, connect the old-fashioned way through a handwritten note to a relative, friend, or neighbor. Pop it in the mail or drop it on their doorstep.
- Watch what you post! Ask yourself a few questions before posting. Is this encouraging? Is this accurate? Is this beneficial? Use your platform for good and not to feed into fears, conspiracies, and chaos.
- Pray. Whether this is something you are in the habit of doing or not, take the time to pray for our leaders, those who are ill, unity as a community and nation. There’s no better time to do it than right now.
- Check in on your friends, family, and neighbors via text, email, or, best of all, a phone call/FaceTime. Use the gift of time we've all been given to connect with each other and make sure people know they aren't alone.
- Set a good example. Your kids are watching you. They’re not going to remember COVID-19; they’re going to remember the way that you handled the circumstances surrounding it. Are you fearful and panicked or peaceful and composed?
- Be generous however you can. Keep supporting local businesses by ordering online, purchasing gift cards to use later, and not canceling memberships/subscriptions.
- Send flowers, cookies, or small gifts. Who doesn’t love a doorstep surprise in the middle of the day?
- Finally, get creative! Share online learning resources you’re utilizing and enjoying, send funny memes to one another, and build one another up. We are, after all, better together!
