Do Your Part
For almost five months, we’ve heard a lot about how we can protect ourselves. The “three W’s” of washing hands, watching distance, and wearing masks have become a shared language and a shared understanding across the country and many parts of the world.
While washing hands comes quite naturally, watching distance and wearing masks requires a more conscious shift in daily behavior and mindset—a shift that can be hard for some.
We are social beings and the urge to socialize and connect is strong, not to mention, mask wearing can be hot, uncomfortable, claustrophobic, and vision impairing.
And yet—it’s critical that you and I make these selfless and safe practices daily habits.
We’ve all spent a lot of time thinking about how we can protect ourselves and stay safe.
Now, it’s time to think about how our actions impact others—how we can directly impact the safety of others.
There are definitely times when I wish I didn’t have to wear a mask—times when my breathing fogs up my glasses and frustration boils. And yet, the choice to be aware, compassionate, and selfless—to wear a mask to protect the wellbeing of others—far outweighs the momentary discomfort that comes and goes with masks.
“The latest forecast from the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation suggests that 33,000 deaths could be avoided by October 1 if 95 percent of people wore masks in public.” -UCSF
Wearing a mask and watching your distance is a selfless act. It communicates to others that you care about their wellbeing too. It demonstrates solidarity, empathy and respect to the communities in which you live and interact.
And, in reality, with the right mindset, masks and distancing can become manageable and rewarding.
If you’re struggling—here’s a reframe for you.
Instead of focusing on the discomfort of the mask, how hot and itchy it makes your face, or how you’d rather not have to wear it—focus on how it makes others feel to see you wearing a mask. I know that when I am out and about, I feel calmer and safer walking next to someone with a mask on the street—and I appreciate that they are wearing one. To me, it signals that they care, that they’re being cautious, and that we are “in it together”—so to speak.
If that’s not enough to spur action, think about how you’d want others to act if a loved one was compromised. How you might feel desperate that others protect them, care for them, and prevent them from being put at risk. Imagine the fear of wondering everyday about exposure—and what might happen to your loved one if they came into contact with COVID. This is a true reality for many in our communities. The least we can do is wear a mask.
It’s rare that our actions can so DIRECTLY impact the wellbeing of others on such a mass scale.
The simple action of putting on a mask in public places and keeping 6ft can literally save lives, save families, and help our country rebound from such a devastating pandemic.
The choice is simple if you allow it to be.
Do your part.