Today is day one of writing about how we can help those within our communities during COVID-19 and I'm going to start off by talking about how being emotionally supportive and empathetic is step one.
This pandemic has affected so many of us in so many different ways. While the class system was something that separated us before it still separates us today.
Many individuals are fortunate to not have to worry as much about whether or not they can pay their bills, put food in their children's mouths, buy diapers for their kids and have the luxuries of living from home. However this is not something we should be focusing on, it is a luxury but many individuals are focusing on how unfair they think it is.
On the other end of the spectrum it's also not okay to look down on individuals who do not have job security have worked multiple jobs or do not have the same amounts in savings as you do. EMPATHY, it's key.
Let's take a minute and chill, breathe and relax. So many people in all classes are helping out more than you know. Donating, delivering meals to healthcare workers, working as essential workers making minimum wage to help you get your groceries, cleaning the hospitals etc.
Those celebrities who are being shamed for posting pictures or videos or their luxurious lifestyles, they're helping out too but even if they aren't that's no reason to shame them. So before we jump to conclusions and lump everyone together and think its unfair that perhaps someone has something we don't let's take a moment and realize that what's normal for us is not normal for them. (I am aware that there may be the occasional person who is being a jerk showing it off in a "oh look at me, look at what I've got" way but not everyone is like that, let's not lump them all together.) I'm going to be straight up and say, if you don't like what they're posting don't follow them, it's totally okay to unfollow someone because you don't like the content.
I'm not going to hate on them, many of them are still doing their parts supporting their communities, donating meals to families and individuals and funds to further research on finding vaccines for the Corona Virus. They worked for the things they have and they have no reason to feel guilty about it.
Now let's talk about how people want us to feel bad, not lucky, about the fact that we have the privilege to be in isolation.
Lets focus on the positive.
We are lucky. Yes. And we can turn that into a positive thing.
We are not blind to the world. Many of us are aware of the fact that other individuals do not have the same privileges that we do but now is not the time to guilt people about this. Many have worked hard for the things that they have, homes, cars, food, families but it's not right or fair to guilt them. Especially not now while so many are struggling mentally, emotionally, and perhaps even financially. Let's be proper humans and be empathetic, be kind, and not be envious. But we can help!
But how? We should be following in the celebrities and public figures steps, putting forward good thoughts, helping out our communities and the people in it. We may not be able to help to the same extent that they do but we can still do things that matter like calling your neighbour to ask if they need anything, buying gift cards for groceries for friends, families or neighbours who you know are struggling and being a positive support system for the people around us. Here are a few suggestions:
Gift cards (You can buy gift cards from your local grocery stores, not only does it help out those around you but it also helps the grocery stores)
Groceries ( Order a delivery for someone for groceries, pick up groceries for your neighbour while you're out getting yours *obviously wearing PPE like gloves)
Supplies (Toilet paper, diapers, teaching supplies, etc.)
Cards (You can write a card to a friend or family member, cards are an endearing and kind way to reach out to someone)
Reaching out to friends or family (Call up your mom, dad, brother, sister, best friend, or college roommate they might need a familiar voice)
Say thank you (This is one of the easiest things you can do, say thank you to the grocery store clerk, cashier, nurse, doctor, delivery person who is helping you. It goes a long way.)
Be nice (This is a tough time for everyone so simply being nice to someone can help. You don't know how someone could be struggling.)
Stay home unless it is essential to go out (In my opinion it is only essential to go out if you are getting groceries or if you are an essential worker. Don't go to house parties, invite friends over, or anything like this. You put those around you at risk, your family, the grocery store clerk, the person you pass who is on their way home from getting groceries. This is also the suggestions here in BC so if it's different where you are follow what healthcare professionals are suggesting.)
Let's support our locals and local businesses.
We need our communities to thrive after this, not people to feel spiteful towards someone who may have had it better than them during isolation. We are all individuals and this has affected so many of us in different ways, but now is the time to come together and help one another.
Some individuals can help out more than others can financially but it's not about how much it's about the fact that you are helping at all. The thought that you are helping, the positive encouragement for those around you and the positivity that our communities need.
Please note that this is my own personal opinion and not an advertisement.
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