Choose kindness and connection
This blog is about the other “c-word”. The one that’s taking over the world and on everyone’s lips.
For the most part, I’ve chosen to stay pretty quiet on the Coronavirus, other than from a positive, holistically helpful light where I can. I believe there is enough out there already and I don’t want to add to the noise. But, with this blog, I’m coming at it from a different direction. I guess it’s a bit of a social call-out, in inviting everyone to be kind and non-judgmental towards others and to keep connection front of mind.
Be kind and non-judgemental
These are crazy times. The world, in so many ways, is nothing like it was even a few short weeks ago and we don’t really have any idea of how it’s going to be a few weeks from now. It can be scary, there’s no doubt about that. But I truly believe the majority of us are doing our best to respect the rules, keep a safe distance, and keep activities outside our own homes to a bare minimum. You may think it’s irresponsible to exercise outside or go to the beach, have a cuppa (or juice) with a friend or family member (or completely alone) and just get a little bit of air etc., but if you do, I’d like to invite you to allow a little understanding into your mindset. For many of us, that might be the only window of human (distant) contact in a day and what ultimately keeps our heads high and light shining.
Take me for example. I work alone (and from home) and always have. I live alone, don’t have a partner or kids (thank goodness for my pooch!) and have been keeping my distance from my parents due to their age. I no-longer have so many of the social aspects of my day which used to help keep me in balance. No more gym and exercise studios, physical meetings and catch ups, socialising and events, both professionally and personally. Life can start to feel pretty bloody lonely.
So, yes – I still exercise outside (on my own and in big open spaces). I still walk down to my favourite locals and get a take-away juice or salad – I’ll be supporting those businesses where I can and for as long as I can. And for me, my going to my local café as opposed to the supermarket to buy my food is just a purchasing choice – there’s no difference in coronavirus “acceptability” in one or the other.
My next point leads on from this first one and it’s to…
Stay connected.
As much as it’s wonderful that we are trying to shed some positive light on the ‘iso’ life and quarantining (I mean if anything it’s at least given birth to the BEST memes of the century!), I’m inviting you to dedicate some thought and love to the people in your life who may be experiencing the real down sides of social isolation right now and think about how you can make them feel more connected.
For me, I’m opting for minimal screen and type-time and as much voice chat time as possible.
So, with my parents, rather than exchanging messages each day, we save it up for a 15-30 minute phone chat every other the day or so. With my team, we’re doing the same – opting for Zoom or phone catch ups when we run through everything and have a chinwag at the same time, instead of exchanging a high volume of texts and emails. Same with girlfriends and other people in my life – I’m going for over-the-phone convos and video calls when I can. It may not be in the flesh contact, but hearing someone’s voice and/or seeing their face is way more connecting than sending messages.
So, be mindful of how much typing you’re doing and instead, just pick up the phone and call them. You’ll both feel so much better for it.
And finally, everything is a matter of perception.
I could choose to solely focus on the disruption, financial fear, the unknown etc. and resist what is (I do have those moments too by the way – but they are moments only), or I could choose to focus on the power of now. That’s what I’m doing. Accepting what is, adapting, moving with the flow, finding what I can be grateful for and what I can do and control.
“Carefully watch your thoughts, for they become your words.
Manage and watch your words, for they become your actions.
Consider and judge your actions, for they become your habits.
Acknowledge and watch your habits, for they shall become your values.
Understand and embrace your values, for they become your destiny.”
Mahatma Gandhi
So, let’s not add any more toxic energy into the mix and instead come from a kind, compassionate, non-judgemental space. Things change by the day. I’d rather look for the best than expect the worst. I’m feeling incredibly grateful for the tiny daily activities that are still there for me and fill my cup while I can.
Be smart, be strong, be safe.
And just remember, kindness is free. Sprinkle that stuff.
C xx
P.s. If you’d like to hear more from me on this topic, check out my videos and Facebook Lives on my Facebook page, Carla Thomas The Juicy Movement.