It’s week #6 of Stay-At-Home. How are you?

I have spoken with family and friends in various parts of the country and have found a variety of answers to this simple question, how are you?

• Some are doing really well and are embracing the time with their family.
• Some are so grateful to not be sick or not have any of their immediate circle sick.
• Some are doing well and tackling their “someday” list of things to do and loving checking each item off that list.
• Some are excited because they are starting new books or fun activities they never have time for.
• Some are excited to still have a job and are thriving with the work they do.
• Some are starting to get a little sick of being home. They are missing the socialness of their everyday lives (that would be me!).
• Some are realizing yet again how valuable their children’s teachers are – and REALLY starting to miss those wonderful children leaving the house five days a week.
• Some just want to casually walk through a store again and breath in the smell of retail.
• Some are getting to a critical place with their toilet paper supply (if you have extra, maybe check on your neighbors and see if you can help them).

Yes, I know this has been kind of tongue in cheek. However, remember it’s not the same for everyone. The truth is that some people are really struggling. And that word “struggling” has a different meaning for every single person. Your struggle is different than mine and mine is different than another’s – and so it goes.

Here are some simple things we can do to help one another:

• When someone comes to mind and you reach out to them, that is a special gift – to you and your remembered friend. Call or text your friends when they pop into your mind and just ask “how are you?” And then just listen. What you hear may give insight into something you could do to help.
• If you’re able, send gift cards just because or for special occasions (new baby, birthdays, anniversaries, etc.)
• Find a local blood drive and go give blood. It sounds crazy, but our national blood supply is dangerously low. And the Red Cross has put procedures in place to keep everyone safe.
• Write wonderful reviews on the social platforms for all the business you frequent. Tell all about the things you love most about them.
• If you are so inclined, pray – big and bold!
• This is history in the making. Make memories with your family and loved ones. Take funny pictures. Create a photo album. Document your part of this history.
• Encourage your children to document how COVID-19 has impacted them. What have they missed out on, lost, gained, etc. and then save it for them. This really will be something they will tell their children and their grand-children one day.
• Be kind – to everyone. Smile at the people in the grocery store. Check in on your neighbors. Share if and when you have extra. Little kindnesses are what will make this more bearable for all of us.
• Don’t judge – anyone, ever. You don’t know the details of their story.
• Remember, stay at home and follow the mandates of your governor, for the sake of many, not just the one 😷
• Cut yourself some slack. Perfect isn’t part of this.

I for one cannot wait “until we meet again, behind the curtain,” —Carla