A Quick Message to Our Community

The COVID-19 crisis that the world is facing is unsettling. We’re finding ourselves in a health crisis that we thought we’d never see in our lifetime – at least I didn’t. It’s unsettling and unpredictable, but it’s times like this when community brings us together, even when we must be apart.Finding ways to stay connected is of the utmost importance right now. Explore ways you can still laugh, sing, dance together all while following the safety protocols in place to keep everyone safe and healthy during this time. If you’re not sure how to make those connections, here are a few ways:

1. Pick up the phone. We’re so used to using our devices for everything except making a call that we forget the power of hearing someone else’s voice. Call your friends and family to make sure they’re ok. Offer to order their groceries for them if they can’t get out or just ask them how their day was. Your call may be the only call they got that day.
2. Use video to stay connected. With so much technology at the ready for us to connect with one another, it’s now easier than it has ever been to see your best friend or your siblings, whether near or far. Facetime, Skype, and Zoom are just examples of tools that help you stay connected to those you care about during uncertain times and beyond.
3. Online watch party. Love watching movies with your favorite people? There’s an app for that! Netflix Party allows you to watch movies with your friends online. This is a Chrome plug-in and can only be used on desktop or laptop computers. If it’s something you’re able to take advantage of, I recommend it. *Note: As of 22 March, Netflix Party users are experiencing trouble with connecting. A fix will go in on Tuesday, 24 March to resolve the issue. For more information, visit their site.*
4. Shout it from the rooftops…literally! Have you seen how Italian residents have come together when they can’t leave their homes? They have taken to singing from their windows to each other and it’s honestly the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. It’s also happening in other parts of the world, even here in the United States. It’s unconventional and out of the norm but try something like that with your community. Tell a joke, open your window and sing a song – whatever you can to bring people together is sorely needed right now. Take the opportunity.
5. Take a break. We are on information overload with all of the updates that hit our newsfeeds at any given time of the day around the state of our world. And while we want to stay informed, it can take a toll on our emotional and mental well-being. Limit your social media and news exposure and, if you’re able to, go for a walk. Take in nature (while observing social distancing, of course), and remember all that is amazing in this world.

My last bit of advice for you is, if you’re feeling like it’s all a bit much and you need someone to talk to, please reach out. Use your community to help each other through this time. Social distancing and observing a quarantine is not easy, but it is necessary for everyone’s safety. And remember that not everyone has an in-home (and sometimes out of home) support system to help get them through this. Take good care of yourselves and each other. We’re in this together and this, too, shall pass.Be well.Marjorie