Go into any grocery store, and you will come across bare aisles. Go to the meat section, and you might not find chicken or turkey, but if you are lucky, you might find some steak. So, these are the current times across America. Kindness and mindful practices with COVID-19 are important.
I can only imagine what it might be like in other countries. Take stores like Harris Teeter, Food Lion, and The Vitamin Shoppe. What I can tell you is that you will find people like you and me working there. They are the working class of our country, along with the health professionals making our day better every day. Countless other local businesses are showing up too.
Not everyone gets the chance to engage in Social Distancing. I have high respect for those that can and for those that are unable to do that. This is a way to help from spreading the virus. We are living in a different world each day. Just the other day, I was eating out for a media event and it was great.
When the President declared that we were in a National Emergency over the Coronavirus that changed things, I have chosen to limit my outings and have found some things to do at home. There is a book that I can finish writing or spending time with my family.
Express gratitude instead of fear
How is it that weeks ago we were living routine days? Among the fear and panic, there is also good in humanity. Friends let me tell you that the people working are stressed too. Remember to express gratitude for them being there. I made it a point to thank as many people as I could when I was out getting my essentials.
Because you see at the end of the day, that is what it is all about. Look at the face of a cashier the next time you go out. You will see the person that hasn’t changed their outlook on life. They will appear positive and optimistic.
Then you will see the anxiety on another cashier’s face because they are uncertain too. Share a kind word and help them get through their day with your kindness. Offer to help those that might not be able to pick up some essentials.
It was interesting going to the grocery store for sure. I made it a point to strike up brief conversations with the employees who know me as a regular customer. I didn’t treat other shoppers as if they had the plague. We were all there for the same reasons.
Look for Alternatives
Did I mention no such luck getting toilet paper? It’s okay, though, because that meant getting a substitute. I found Dude Wipes besides a few Cottonelle wipes. You never know if you will be in a bind and need those things.
Others might have assumed that I stockpiled with a full cart. I was shopping for what we were low on and a little extra, so I wouldn’t have to go back so soon. It just happened to be the week that everyone needed things. Remember, people don’t judge if you don’t know someone else’s situation.
If you are looking for wipes for your hands or utensils, then my favorite is from a company called Neats. I love their story and Matthew Johnson Sr. came up with a helpful solution to a common problem.
Sometimes you want green-friendly products and one company that does that is Bean and Lily. I have heard great things about them and this is one that I want to try myself.
So, in the midst of what might feel chaotic take time to do what you can. Practice safe hygiene practices and consider how you can do your part too. Take time to engage in meaningful conversations with family. Don’t forget that you can still interact virtually or through a phone call.
Together we can all make a difference for the greater good. It all starts with keeping as calm as we can. What will you do today to help spread kindness?