What can I do?
Over the last few weeks, I’ve found myself wondering, what can I do? It crosses my mind multiple times each day—like on repeat.
What can I do? How can I take care of others? What can I do to help? There must be something I can do!
With such tremendous uncertainty, I feel an incessant urge to want to do something… — to make this time purposeful and meaningful.
Truth is, in all my thinking, planning, hypothesizing— I still haven’t found the golden answer that I am so desperately seeking. And, I think I haven’t found the answer because there isn’t a clear one. This time isn’t scripted— there’s no one right way to handle this or make the most out of everything that’s going on. It’s really up to you.
So, for once in my life— I have been forced to alter my mindset, to put my ceaseless big picture thinking on mute— and instead think small— small acts, small gains…
Slowly, my “what can I do today?” has become, "how can I create a smile today?” "How can I create a laugh today…?” “What can I do to brighten someone else’s day?”
So, here’s my attempt at finding comfort and purpose in small acts. I hope some of these might also resonate with you…
1. Mail a Letter to Brighten Someone’s Day. We all love getting mail. It makes us feel instantly recognized and appreciated. So, grab stationary, or even an index card will work, and write a quick note to someone to let them know you are thinking about them.
2. Workout Virtually with a Friend. There are millions of workout videos online- from Pilates, to Barre, to Yoga, to free body weight exercises, the options are endless. Better yet, watching and motivating a friend to keep up the energy and pace over Zoom is an instant way to pump positive endorphins and secure a laugh. Share your screen so you can watch and motivate each other as you complete a workout together.
3. Remember, Staying Home is “Selfless.” It’s easy to forget that the anxiety and restlessness of being stuck inside are actually by-products of a much larger mission and goal. You are helping others, and acting selfless, everyday you decide to deal with the discomfort and stay inside. So, instead of dreading it, recognize and give yourself credit that staying home is helping others. It’s a completely selfless act that puts the wellbeing of others first. You are helping in your own small way…
4. Master New Recipes. Think about this: when do you have time to actually look up new recipes and explore new food creations?! Usually, never! So, make this a time when you re-discover foods that taste good and also build up your energy and wellbeing.
5. Create Your Own Stress Ball. When you’re feeling particularly stressed, this craft can be quite therapeutic. It can help you slow down and acknowledge the stress you are feeling— as you work on something that can directly help to alleviate it. This time is stressful, and its okay to feel anxious, and overwhelmed, and worried. Give yourself the time and space to feel uncomfortable accompanied with tools to help you rebound.
6. Lead a Neighborhood/Community Group. More than anything, we are all craving social interaction and support. And— you can help! With virtual platforms like Zoom and Google Hangouts, it’s easy to get a group together. You can structure it to be fun, like a happy hour, or more focused, like a support group for friends to vent. In minutes you can have such a positive and lasting impact on others by offering a space to unite and support one another.
Everything listed, I’ve tried, and I’ve found that the smiles gained in these small activities are far more impactful than I initially imagined— not only for myself but also for others.
I am hoping that these small actions can also help you find solace and joy during this time.