Isolated and Connected

As someone that is typically on the road each week for work, I am constantly looking for love all around me for inspiration, motivation and positive energy. I try my hardest to tune out the negativity and not get distracted by the noise that can separate us. When I can't see love easily, I focus on creating it. During this time of increased isolation and anxiety, here are ways that we can teach, practice and share kindness, compassion and love...

Create and share thank you messages for healthcare and public safety professionals. These individuals are working around the clock trying to keep our communities healthy and safe. Be sure to tag them on social media and/or email your gratitude messages.

Write letters to deployed troops, veterans, wounded soldiers and caregivers. Check out guidelines provided by Support Our Troops and Operation Gratitude.

Check in on neighbors, friends and family members living alone. Put a handwritten letter or piece of artwork in their mailbox. Connect with them using video chat platforms like Zoom, Facebook Live or Skype. Text them messages regularly letting them know you are thinking of them. Before you head to the grocery store, check to see if they need anything.

Record the reading of a children's book, poetry, and inspirational story as well as a meaningful conversation / interview. Share these with family, friends and neighbors to stay socially connected. Leverage the StoryCorps App.

Pick your favorite children's book and create a board game template and instructions. Lots of free templates are available online. Post your board game design and instructions online for other children, families and programs to access. Use hashtags such as #parenting, #education, #play and #reading.

Learn origami and share your creations to brighten someone's day. Check out this instruction site and share with neighbors, delivery personnel, postal workers, grocery store workers and those on the front line of keeping our communities safe and healthy.

Check in with local shelters, hospitals and care facilities to review and support their wish lists. Order items needed online for delivery and send hand written notes to be distributed with the items. Imagine getting a pair of socks with a handwritten "thinking of you" note. Or imagine the smile on a patient's face when given a word search book with an original piece of art and inspirational message.

Build a free library box for your neighborhood to share books. Leave inspirational messages to each other inside the book cover and throughout the pages. Check out Little Free Library for inspiration and instructions.

Search for and connect with local food pantries to identify their current needs. Use the FoodFinder app to search for a pantry by zip code. You could assist by dropping off non-perishable items or have food donations requested delivered direct to the pantry by ordering online.

Check with your local homeless shelters or transitional housing developments to see what they need most. Have cleaning supplies, toiletries and clothing items sent directly to the organization in need based on their specific needs list.

Make a playlist of positive, uplifting, and energizing music to share with others. Music is a powerful connector and can heal us across households, communities, and countries. Our playlists can spark a movement of dancing, singing and joy -- we need this now!

Look for love...if you can't find it, create it. Please share this list and additional recommendations to teach, practice and spread love and compassion!