It is so very easy to feel overwhelmed and bombarded and scared. We have been at home for 8 days. I have never been one to binge watch the news, but we did do that one day and it was a huge mistake. There is no doubt that this is a dark time: history in the making.
And yet, I am amazed by the light. All around the world, people are being creative about how to say social while maintaining a physical distance. In this Buzzfeed post, neighbours have dance parties and happy hours while being far enough away from each other to ensure they are being prudent and safe. People everywhere are reaching out to help others. For the past five years, I have created a Google alert for the words “social media” and “education” so as to keep up to date with what’s happening. Normally I need to dig for something positive. Today? Every link was positive except one.
This morning, as we walked the dog and kept our distance, we couldn’t stop smiling as the path was sprinkled with lovely side walk chalk messages. We reached out to several people to ask if they needed groceries, and learned that they already had people shopping for them. We’ve doubled recipes and dropped them off for family and neighbours.
In our own family, we decided to create a virtual trivia game as a way to get friends and family together. We have hosted 7 so far. It has been a wonderful way to create as a family and to spread joy to others. What has been remarkable to us is how many people are connecting with friends and family from other States or Provinces as a team. Our promo from Week1 is at the bottom of this post. Subscribe to my YouTube channel for a weekly notification for when we go LIVE (every Tuesday nights at 8 pm ET while we are in quarantine).
I am mindful that we are a middle class family and that it is easier to see light, when you are not worried about paying your bills. Our house is well stocked and none of us have gotten sick. But one thing is certain and that is that even in the darkest room, one light can pierce the darkness. I am heartened to see, given my passion and life’s work, that often this past week, the light is coming from a cellphone because we cannot be together in person. And so, I have also created a #celebratingawesome campaign where you can nominate a person who has been a shining light in your darkness. Nominate them here and read about why I started this in this post.
I am so appreciative of the people in my world have shown nothing but kindness, compassion and love towards others. I am grateful to spend time with my family and for a PLN who lifts me up and who shares so freely.
Love this image called Kindness in Quarantine shared by my friend Tamara Letter:
Wishing you love and light, friends.
Jen
P.S. My book Social LEADia is more relevant today than it ever has been. Read a chapter for free here (scroll to Preview)
