We are in this Together!
“The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.”
― Barack Obama
More than I ever, I have recognised how important it is for us to shift our focus onto how we can look out for one another and love one another. It is only natural that our first reaction would be to think about how we or our immediate family could be affected, we have probably all done that already. However, I have been so moved recently by the choice that we face to be either in this together or to decide that it is every person for themselves. I personally believe the first option is one of the most powerful decisions we can make both for the benefit of others and also the benefit for ourselves and our own mental health.
During this time, when many people are struggling due to their own mental health issues triggered by these circumstances or perhaps loneliness from the isolation or working over and above in order to help us fight this virus, we need each other. It is so important for us to stay connected in this time and I want to challenge you to daily be thinking about what you could do to help those around you in some small way.
Here are some suggestions of ways in which you could do this:
Text/Call a friend; see how they are doing?
Send a note to your neighbours offering help if they need it
Send a friend a card (use Kate’s watercolour card tutorial video)
Send a care package to a friend (could include; teabags, a letter, chocolate etc)
Send a letter to a local care home or hospital
Donate to charities who are working to help people during this time
Donate to your local FoodBank, either in a supermarket or financially online
Shop with local independent businesses
Set up an online group hang out with friends or family
There is something so powerful about choosing to put somebody else’s needs above our own. I can guarantee you that in the letting go of control and sharing whatever you can with those around you, you will be filled with a sense of hope, even if just a small amount. I recognised a familiar feeling last week when I was in the supermarket looking for hand-santiser and other groceries. It took me back to being a child, when I didn’t understand there would generally be enough to go around and I would grab the piece of cake as quickly as possible to ensure I didn’t miss out or go without (regardless of there being enough cake for everyone!). It’s an attitude I do not want to have during this time, we are in this together and let’s be quick to look out for those around us, even if they are complete strangers to us in a supermarket.
Love Naomi x
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