Be Kind to One Another

Be Kind

We are all stressed. This corona virus has us all on edge. We’re dealing with an unprecedented situation. And we are all human. Please, take time to be kind to one another. To borrow a page from Ellen DeGeneres, in a world where you can be anything, be kind.

Be kind to those you don’t know.

Be kind to the cashier at the supermarket. Yes, you are frustrated that the store didn’t have the water or bleach or whatever you went in there for, but that is not the cashier’s fault. That cashier has been working non-stop all day dealing with frustrated customers, all while at risk of catching the virus herself. Be kind to the grocery stockers trying to get items on the shelves. Those stockers have been unloading cartons all day, sometimes while being mobbed by customers. They are not keeping items from you. They are trying to get the items they have on the shelves. These workers are now on the front line of the virus crisis. Be kind. Smile. Thank them.

Be kind to the person at the restaurant take-out and drive -through windows. Its not their fault the dining areas are closed. Just be happy that take-out is still an option. (Note, I am not saying you should not go to a sit-down restaurant if one is open. If you do, bring your own cleaning wipes and wipe down the table, chairs and any other surface you touch. If you clean it, you know it’s clean.) Be kind to one another.

If you need to go to the doctor, the hospital or any medical facility, be especially kind. These doctors, nurses, aides, and other medical professionals are already over-worked and the situation is expected to get worse. In addition, they are worried about their own health and the health of their families. Protective equipment is is short supply. My sister is a doctor in private practice. Right now she has 3 protective masks on hand. Three. The masks have been on back-order for weeks. Please say a prayer that she, and all the other doctors who are waiting, get their protective masks and other protective equipment delivered this week.

In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

Be kind to the world around you. Yes, Our world has been turned upside down. But this is why we need to go out of our way to be kind. We don’t know what others are going through. Yes, we are all concerned about getting the virus. But that woman who just pushed past you in the grocery store may have just found out her parents are getting tested for the virus. Cut her some slack. And while you may be irritated that the store is out of TP, don’t take it out on others. That man standing in your way clicking away on his phone while he puts items in his cart may be trying to stay on budget now that the virus has caused him to lose his job. Be kind.

Make no mistake – many, many people will face real financial consequences from this virus. Many have already lost their jobs. Others are facing reduced hours or reduced pay. Any business that provides services is hurting – not just food service and “gig” workers, but also plumbers, electricians and other trades. No one is having any non-critical work done right now. This is the time to reach out to one another, to help one another. Now is the time to be kind to one another.

Be kind to those you know and love.

Be kind to your neighbors. If you have a neighbor or friend who is elderly or has an impaired immune system, check on them regularly. Call them. See how they are doing. Offer to go to the store for them. These people are in the high-risk group and should not be out in public. By picking up a few groceries for them, you could be saving their lives. Be a hero. Be kind.

Be kind to your pets. Pets cannot carry the virus. Pets are family. If you do not believe that, you should not have gotten a pet to begin with. Shelters are reporting dramatically increased numbers of pets being dumped at shelters or abandoned. This is not only not kind, it is cruel. It is also counter-productive. Studies have shown that pets have a calming effect during times of stress. Petting a dog or cat reduces blood pressure and stress. Snuggling your fur-baby is good for you and them. Love your pets. They are family.

Be kind to your family. Most of our readers don’t have young kids at home, but may have teens or young adults. These young people may seem okay, but may actually be scared or anxious about the situation. Be sure to talk to them about the virus. Let them know its okay to be scared, and that you are there any time they need to talk or listen. Remind them that the best defense is to wash their hand often and avoid contact with others. This will be the hardest part of dealing with young people – keeping them from going out. We are social animals and young folks are the most social. Remind them, and yourself, that this situation is temporary. Also, do not put extra stress on yourself to keep others entertained. Teens and young adults can entertain themselves with videos and social media, but make sure they put the devices down from time to time. And remind them to be kind to others.

Be kind to yourself. Remember to breathe! If you feel yourself getting stressed out, take deep breaths. While many places are closed, the outdoors is not. Go for a walk. Sit on the back porch and watch the birds and squirrels. If there is a park nearby, go there and sit and watch the children play (from a distance, of course). Let the beauty of nature relax you. If you live with family, take this time to reconnect. Play games, do puzzles together, bake cookies. Keep up with family and friends via Facetime or Skype or social media.

This situation is temporary and continually evolving. We don’t know what will happen next. Just remember to take it one day at a time. Breathe. Be patient. Be flexible. Be strong. But most of all, be kind. It is our kindness and our compassion for one another that will get us through this. This crisis is temporary. Kindness lasts forever.