Quarantine Chronicles April 24, 2020

Inward Thinking

At a time when we are secluded with the same few people every day—or some of us, alone—we spend a lot of time looking inward. I’m an advocate for self-reflection and improvement, but it’s an important time to consider how others may be dealing with this crisis.

Someone with an autoimmune disease is stuck home unable to do much; afraid they will get deathly sick. Someone is battling with depression, fighting a silent uphill battle since the first day of mandatory social distancing. A teacher struggles to learn how to instruct their class virtually and are finding themselves the target of overwhelmed parents’ anger. So many of our neighbors are navigating a new work-from-home situation that is less than optimal. Many are no longer working at all. Lovers are separated. Grandparents haven’t been able to hug their grandchildren. Sadly, some have experienced the loss of a loved one, or celebrated a birthday or a special milestone while isolated from those closest to them. None of these special moments in life can be traditionally witnessed or acknowledged.

None of us have ever been through this type of event before. Everyone, no matter his or her situation, is going through something.

A suggestion: Every day or a few times a week, pick out one person to call and check in with. Sometimes it’s hard to look past your own discomfort, but in helping others, we help ourselves. The people you reach out to will appreciate the thought. It may surprise you how reaching out to someone else will make you feel better. But it really works that way. But don't take my word for it. Try it for yourself.

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