It’s been fascinating to live during a time like this. Because right now we live in a world where we have to line up 5 feet away from each other at Home Depot, where we don’t have the option of eating at a restaurant, and where the government has recommended we leave our house no more than one time a day, for no more than a walk around the block. We live in a world where my Mom calls me to say something like this, “Oh my God, your sisters are driving me crazy. I can’t even send them anywhere!” These times of social distancing have been lonely and pressing. Not just because we can’t see our friends or because we’re stuck with our families, but because we can’t even legally spend time among the general public. There is currently no general public about.
These “lonely” times provide the one thing everyone is always desperate for more of; time. I know that I have spent these homogenous hours reflecting on myself, my relationships, and the type of world we live in. Because even though these times have shown me that I have to be ashamed of the fact that my own mother is hoarding toilet paper and rice, they have also shown me how kind people are. How willing they are to adapt to a different type of world, for the sake of a few lives. And how much kinder everyone seems. Even though most of our country is unemployed and struggling to pay rent.
I know that not everyone has been kinder, but for the sake of argument let us just say I am rounding up. There are several ways to be of service to those in need during these trying times. There’s been lots of talk about supporting local businesses by buying their take-out, or even purchasing gift cards. (You get bonus points if you give away the gift card to someone in need). There’s of course easier less expensive ways too. This can include merely smiling at the person you are passing with a respectable distance. This could also look like offering someone much older or who is clearly at risk with buying their groceries.
We are currently experiencing strange and unknown times, uncharted territory, and what seems like if we blinked fast enough could just be called the twilight zone. But here we are all tucked away at home, just waiting. And while we wait, we might as well pass a little joy with the time.
Allison's Blog 