Sounds like an oxymoron, right? How can we all feel such a sense of togetherness, of wanting to be of support in any possible way whilst being in isolation and furthermore, self-isolation? It’s quite astounding yet warming…
The entire world is currently going through probably the most frightening, totally blinded period in our personal history where we’re in utter turmoil and living minute by minute with the crazy global spread of this nano virus, which has spread the entire globe like wildfire. Hundreds and thousands, if not millions, are isolating within the boundaries of their homes, they are staying in, with limited social interaction. Social distancing is becoming the norm if we have to go into the scary world. Social places where we all love to chat, interact, laugh and hang out are shut. Schools which stimulate and educate our kids are shut. The world is shutting its doors right in front of our faces. See you later.. It’s scary. It’s isolating. It’s frightening. Its numbing. It’s unknown and totally unfamiliar. What do we do next? When will we see our friends next? When can we see our family abroad? When can our kids start playing together? When will I go back to work? When when when…. so many unknowns.
However at the same time, the sense of community, togetherness and unity has spread the world like wildfire too. We’re all trying to help each other in whatever way possible. In my personal capacity, I’ve see how all our neighbours are pulling together to help the vulnerable on our road. I’ve been involved in a drive to purchase hand lotions, coffee sachets and love hearts for the incredible NHS staff. I’ve become part of community initiatives to help call the elderly and those in isolation on a weekly basis. We can all do our part. Reach out to someone on FaceTime. Email a relative across the world and drop in. Think about others. If possible, donate to charities and worthy causes.
Social media has a bad rep for obvious reasons. It can destroy and ruin lives. Look at Caroline Flack. Look how negative press and publicity can crush one. Look at social pressures and online bullying. Look at how people appear on social media meanwhile are suffering internally and are someone completely different behind the screen. Soul destroying.
Yet the power of social media seems to have massively flipped in these unprecedented times. Online communities and villages are appearing left, right and centre. People are creating online chats and forums to help tackle and manage everyone’s fears and anxieties. You don’t have to look far. Just look on your Insta and Facebook feeds. Right in front of your eyes. People are reaching out all the time. It’s astounding and encouraging and we can all do it in our own small way. I’m so touched how all the children classes and entertainers are streaming free ZOOM classes so children can watch and participate at home. To try maintain some sort of normality. Personal trainers are doing online works outs. Yogis are offering online meditations and breathing sessions. The list goes on. The warmth of humanity is shining bright. Accept it. Welcome it. Share it.
I often wonder why humanity is the way it is. People boggle me. Why does it take such catastrophic measures to unite us all? Look at motherhood. Early motherhood. I’ve met too many mums who feel lonely, isolated and detached from the outside world. Who haven’t felt such a sense of connection from the outside in. Where the (false, contrived) image of the perfect mum fills their newsfeeds. Where if you don’t do XYZ, you’re failing as a mum. Why isn’t there that sense of encouragement, support and unity when things were normal?
It’s all like a swing, things up and down. These times can bring out the best in humanity or the worst. There are those stockpiling and shoving and pushing to get extra loo rolls and pasta, or there those who are buying an extra packet to donate to the food bank for those less fortunate. We choose how we are. We’re in control of our actions and attitudes. Yes we’re all scared. We’re all predicting and hoping. Yet nobody knows. Not even the scientists, doctors or virologists.
It’s a very trying time for us all. Some people will be out of work struggling financially. A lot of us struggling emotionally with what’s at hand. Some of us will be juggling with kids at home. Some will be loosing their marbles and others trying to do as much work amongst the chaos. Yet all of us have the opportunity to choose. To choose to unify and help (remotely) or to criticise and complain. It’s up to us.