As an eternal optimist, I’ve never given credence to “sky is falling!” sentiments. Especially in this era of sensationally questionable media.
After all, how many “Storms of the Century” are possible?
This past week, however, I’ve had to admit there’s more substance to Henny Penny’s rants than I’d previously imagined.
Yes, the ‘black swan’ has taken flight.
These are indeed ‘tough’ times- times inescapable as humans on planet earth. And during such times, we tend to see worst (and best) examples of ‘humanity’.
If you’ve been following recent Monday Mindsets, you might’ve noticed an underlying theme- the sentiment of, “How can I help?”
Well just as I’ve found the past seven days quite sobering, I’ve also been incredibly inspired. So many are asking, “How can I help?” and DOING whatever they can- as neighbors, friends, colleagues, and family.
Selfless service…
My wife’s sister, Laura Paré, banned from coming to work her job at the VA Hospital in Des Moines (because she’s over 60), has turned her abilities to craft things out of fabric into gowns for the hospital and masks for anyone who wants them.
She’s had so many mask requests she’s run out of material (as well as ink for her printer to print shipping labels!). She’s sending them to whoever wants them. She’s not asking for a dime. It’s her way to serve.
The one she’s modeling in this short video is the one I’ll be wearing as soon as it arrives. Gotta have some fun, right?
True neighbors…
Our son Steven lives in Garner, North Carolina. One of their neighbors sent out an email before they headed to the grocery store, “Anyone need anything?” This caught on. Neighbors are now coordinating trips to the store.
Boosting the spirit…
The area where we’re currently ‘sequestered’ has beautiful walking trails. Springtime in North Carolina is lovely, and many are out taking advantage of the beautiful weather to get sun and fresh air (while maintaining social distancing, of course).
Along one of the most popular paths, this sign showed up two days ago:
Earlier today…
Opportunities to serve, help with groceries…lifting the spirit.
Simple things during tough times make a huge difference.
Thanks to all of you who are serving- doing what you can to help make things a bit safer, a bit kinder, more fun, and a whole lot more inspiring.
Until next time,
P.S. Why not share your stories? Use the Comments section below to help others know of the goodness you see on display during these ‘tough’ times. Even better- add your observations and forward on your favorite social media. Acknowledge those making a difference. Inspiration is a GREAT immune-booster.
Tim Autrey
Founder/CEO- PPI
Our neighborhood has set up a share pantry for anyone to take items that they need and it’s replenished daily by the neighborhood. Neighbors helping neighbors!
Tim, as usual, I enjoyed your thoughts in this week’s MMM. If one waits long enough, Henny Penny will be right. The media never remembers how often she was wrong. In the vein of “what can I do to help now”, the first is to listen, to stay positive and to share some thoughts that may help someone. These are certainly dangerous times, but probably not the worst thing most of us have faced in our lives. Remember the worst thing and think about how you got through it. The other thing one can do is think about the numbers you hear, not just accept them as the truth. Even in the best of times, numbers are often misleading. You have heard my spiel about the folly of most safety metrics. The same is true in the pandemic. I heard yesterday that more than 150 countries have cases of the virus. For those of us who have seen parts of the world that don’t even have basic health care, is it likely they have a test capable of identifying the virus? How confident are we in the numbers we hear? Are the fatality rates that different in locations of the world or are the ration of tests/fatalities different? I am not saying we should not watch the news or put our heads in the sand, but we should stay calm, not panic and think about what we have heard. That will help twofold. We will be able to make better decisions to protect ourselves and others, but it also forces you to keep your mind in the present. Keeping one’s mind in the present is calming. Great leaders learn from the past and plan for the future, but in the heat of battle, they keep their mind in the present. Keep positive and think. We will get through this.