What actions have you taken during the COVID-19 quarantine to help in a time of crisis? I’ve had to think about that myself. How have I used this time to better my family, myself, my neighborhood, and my nation? We either get bitter or better in a crisis. My guess is that everyone reading this has done something to help out or grow in one way or another. Like all of us, my life has changed.
During our national quarantine, my adult children called me at all hours, depending on their schedules. The texts are most likely to come in at 2, 4, 6, and 9 a.m. “Mom, got time for a cup of coffee and Zoom/ FaceTime?” Not every day and night, but… Come to think of it, I’ve heard from them more in the last 2 months than in the previous 6! This morning, they all called at the same time. Funny thing is, they live in different states and time zones. Completely unplanned. Lockdown has messed with their sleep patterns. So has uncertainty. So has a fear of their parents catching the disease. It’s great to hear from them, to listen to their concerns even when they don’t call in prime time. We’ve grown closer as a family.
My husband is considered “essential,” but the business model has changed to accommodate social distancing and other precautionary measures. He is home much earlier. Let’s just say that there have been some adjustments 🙂 I cook better meals more often while grocery shopping much less. No more running to the store for just a couple of items. Although my husband comes home earlier, I never know when he will arrive. It’s just earlier than it used to be, and that requires flexibility, time, and patience. Daily I remind myself of the blessing it is that he has a job.
As for my neighborhood, I stopped judging the bevy of cars that permanently appeared on a nearby neighbor’s driveway. How petty of me! I had a talk with myself, asking why all those cars bothered me. I mean, it’s none of my business. Finally, I told myself that maybe a college kid had to move home, and perhaps they opened their home to a friend. Yep. Recently I found out that’s close to the reason for the “used car lot look.” Neighbors have had their lives turned upside down. It’s not my job to judge but to remember that everyone is doing the best they can.
What have I done for my nation during the quarantine? I’ve contacted the Justice Dept. to voice my concerns about the loss of First Amendment freedoms. I supported a freedom rally in my city by driving by a couple of times and honking as a peaceful, civil protestor would 😉 I’ve replaced fear with prayer for our nation. It has been good for me to reflect on other times in our nation’s history when Americans had to step up to the plate in times of great sacrifice.
I resolved to get dressed every day, exercise, and eat healthily. I can’t change the world, but I can make a difference with the two feet I stand on. Doing these routine things keeps my sanity when it feels like the walls are closing in and the world is falling apart. The struggle is real on some days.
So, what have you learned about yourself? How have you helped others or grown as a result of this national crisis? What new habits will you employ going forward? Taking a retrospective look at the past couple of months can propel us forward better than before.
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship. ??
