Is it possible to live and thrive in this ever-changing world as each day brings new restrictions and mounting fear?
A few months ago we had never heard of Coronavirus or COVID-19; now they are words we use every day. Social distancing—just yet another new phrase we use every day.
As more of us self-isolate, work from home, or are quarantined, our physical contact with others is less. Social distancing implies a lack of social contact, but it doesn’t need to mean this.
We need to maintain physical distance. But, we can still connect socially and emotionally with our friends and family.
The scenes of frantic buying, lack of concern for others and fear of the future is shared daily through the media. This means it is time to be selective about what you listen to and what you watch on TV and social media. Choose reputable and trusted media outlets to get your updates, and stay socially connected to your loved ones, be they relatives or close friends.
You may need to physically distance, but you do not need to socially distance.
I am a baby boomer. I’ve never experienced anything like this. My daughter has lived the safe and mostly care free life Australia has provided—up until now. I have grandchildren. I want them to have the same carefree life their mother had. Climate changes, environmental issues and now the Coronavirus are making this seem like just a pipe dream. However, we can all be choiceful about how we respond in these times. We can choose to nurture our planet and ourselves.
During these next few months as winter comes and the COVID-19 curve continues to climb, choose kindness instead of rudeness, hope instead of fear, social connection instead of social distance. Reduce the spread of coronavirus through physical distancing—not social distancing—and respect yourself and others.
Share your concerns and fears with a person who can hear you and who won’t feed the fear and make it bigger. Acknowledge any anxieties and seek help if they are becoming hard to manage. Join online groups focused on issues and topics in which you’re interested. If one doesn’t exist, start it! Join or start an online book club or music appreciation club. Visit museums online. Have a loud conversation across the road or balcony with your neighbour. Share a coffee with a friend in the park while maintaining a physically safe distance.
Start painting, knitting, crocheting, making mosaics, writing, exercising. Learn a musical instrument, yoga, Tai Chi or dance online. Get a cat or a dog. Stay connected, stay kind and stay respectful to yourself and others.
