Reflections During the Coronavirus Pandemic – March 29, 2020

“You cannot live for yourselves alone. You depend on the rest of the world and the rest of the world depends on you.” Eleanor Roosevelt

I have been writing a lot during this ‘Time of Corona’ and thought I would share some thoughts with you as we enter into Week 2, ‘Sheltering from Home.’ I know everyone is getting a lot of e-mail these days, but perhaps some of these thoughts might trigger some reflection during this time.

I was touched by this quote from Brenee Brown this week, “This pandemic experience is a massive experiment in collective vulnerability. We can be our worst selves when we’re afraid, or our very best, bravest selves. In the context of fear and vulnerability, there is often very little in between because when we are uncertain and afraid our default is self-protection. We don’t have to be scary when we’re scared. Let’s choose awkward, brave, and kind. And let’s choose each other.”

It has been quite a ride and it’s just started. I just read the children’s book, ‘The Wind and the Willows’ and learning of its deeper meaning…I think we are on Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride without a safety belt! Life as it was is no longer. This is our new reality, so adapting and pivoting is the order of the day. Trying to be useful is essential. And I just finished Gail Collins new book, “No Stopping Us Now ~ The Adventures of Older Women in America,” which reminded me of the history of our country and the many challenges that we have endured, putting them each in perspective with an emphasis on the role that women played in each of those crisis’. We will endure this too, and perhaps it is a wake-up call to our world, a time for reflection, a time to come together, appreciate what is important and care for ‘the greater good,’ not individual pursuits as we are apt to do. ‘We are all in this together,’ as was reinforced to me on a call with 60 coaches from around the world experiencing the same challenges, being quarantined. As Jon Bon Jovi said this week, “If you can’t do what you do, do what you can.” I love that.

We are all—each and every one of us—a diamond, a crystal, a ray of sunshine in another person’s life. We are each desperately needed at this moment. Our light is needed. Our ray of hope is needed. Our joy will make someone’s day. Because the truth is, we are all on the frontlines, as my very actions impact you and yours impact me. We are all the helpers, the healers, the inspirers, and the listeners, and the cultivators of hope. We are, and must be, the ones that keep this adventure, for lack of a better word, going. We all have work to do. We have to follow the rules. We have to pick up the phones and check in on those who live alone and those who feel alone.

It’s about how tied we are to one another. This historic moment is showing us how interconnected we are. It is showing us how we all have similar needs. And yet, as we live through this big, collective moment together, we are also going through it in very individual ways.

We each have our own fears and anxieties right now. We each have our own unknowns and uncertainties. I, myself, am trying to find a balance between staying informed with the news, while also turning away from it so I don’t turn into an anxious mess. I’ve tried to start the day with a ‘Sunrise Walk’ with Chelsea to the park, stay upbeat and calm for my clients and colleagues during the day, provide ‘listening and meditation’ and then literally work out my own anxieties as I walk Chelsea again in the evening, praying for compassion and healing in our world.

I’ve also tried to focus my heart on all the incredible acts of kindness and people moving humanity forward. Witnessing these acts of people helping one another has helped me put the pieces of my heart back together amid all the pain and heartbreak. I’ve found myself humbled and blown away by all the individuals who are stepping up, stepping forward, getting creative, being kind, being generous, and reaching out to others. It reaffirms what I’ve always said and believed: there are so many more good people in this world than bad. There are so many more people trying to make the world better than there are trying to tear it down.

Today’s prayer, “Dear God, thank you for staying by my side during this time of uncertainty. May I count my blessings and give my love to others who need it right now. May we all remember that we’re in this together.” Church on-line with a caring community helps each week. Today we talked about the challenge of the prisoners in our local prison that have contracted the coronavirus and have gone silent. How lonely that must be!

The truth is, we all need each other more than ever right now. We need each other in so many ways, both big and small. We need to rely on one another. Lean on one another. Trust one another. Be compassionate, understanding, and patient with one another. We need to basically focus on being there for one another the best we can.

Have a good week and stay safe, help one another and stay home!
Miss you!
A special video sent from a Canadian friend: