In dark times, look for light. These times are unprecedented indeed. I can remember times when the population of an entire school was sick and events for students were canceled. I can remember a time when my children were young and no one came to a birthday party because everyone we knew, including me, had been sick. We’ve all had those times. But none of us have faced a pandemic like COVID-19 in our lifetimes.
So, we prepare. Right? We prepare for our families, for our businesses, and for our communities. It’s not easy to know how to prepare for the unknown. Start with a deep breath. The one thing we can control is our behaviors surrounding the events of this week and the weeks to come. We can look for the light, and we can be the light. I am not going to get into the stockpiling. There are enough people doing it that the effect has rippled to those who are left truly in need. They know who they are, and either they feel really good about their choices, or they are helping others with their excess. I do not know, so I’ll leave it at that.
Think about your family. Who is immunocompromised? Who is unlikely to be exposed nor get sick? Keep necessary family members home, and remember if you must go out and about, you could carry the virus home and not know it. Take necessary precautions. Here is a link to the CDC’s recommendations in the event you haven’t seen all the social distancing and washing hands recommendations. And more information from the CDC if you need it.
Now reach further and think about your neighbors. Do you have elderly neighbors? How about parents with young children, infants especially? They may need help, and they may not ask. If you’re heading to the grocery store, pick up a few things for your neighbors. Reach out and ask what they need. Exchange phone numbers so they have someone to call if they need something. Fear is one thing, ignorance another altogether.
Your business reaches further as we think from our home to a global scale. How can you prevent the spread of the virus within your business? How can you protect patrons, customers, clients, vendors, and partners? Communicate those extra precautions you are following so your community feels safe. Retailers and food services businesses can help customers feel comfortable by wiping credit card machines, tables, menus, door handles, etc. after customers finish transactions. Let your community see you do these things. Talk with your patrons. Empathize and thank them for remembering your business in difficult times. Share your efforts and knowledge on your social media pages. Engage to keep your business alive. Many are working from home, so engage with your community more. Don’t make light of or fun of current events on your business page.
Reach even more and ask how your business might be able to help. If you have a fleet of vehicles, you might be able to help school districts or locales deliver meals to students at home. Reach out to community leaders and ask how you and your business can help. Maybe you have excess food that isn’t selling that could be donated. Sure, this is a loss, but it doesn’t hurt to have your business stand out as the positive light in times like these.
Social responsibility falls on us all. Be the light. Stay positive, stay healthy, and help where help is needed. No one has to look far for a need. I see mothers searching for baby formula, diapers, and wipes daily. I see immunocompromised people searching for basic necessities to keep their bodies and homes clean. Need is out there. Be the light.
To good health from my writing cave.
Be well.
~Stella
