Social distancing – a time to connect and reflect.

Maybe mother nature is telling us something.  Maybe we need to take a step back from our self-absorbed, selfie-driven, me first, entitled culture we are becoming? 

Maybe, just maybe, this pandemic will teach us more than issues around health? 

Maybe, just maybe, our youth will learn that social distancing and isolation is not about them, but about saving their elders – their mentors, their coaches, their professors, their caretakers, their guardians? 

Maybe, just maybe, we all will learn to be a bit less selfish and a bit more selfless (do you really need 144 rolls of toilet paper and 5 gallons of milk)?

And maybe, just maybe, we will learn bigger lessons to help future generations?

What is social distancing?  Put simply, the idea of social distancing is to maintain a distance between you and other people — in our current situation, at least six feet.  That also means minimizing your contact with people.   People at work, people you socialize with and even people in your family.  Avoid public spaces, public gathering and public transportation whenever possible Limit nonessential travel, work from home and skip social gatherings — and definitely do not go to crowded bars, crowded restaurants, crowded churches and sporting arenas.

This strategy saved thousands of lives both during the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 and, more recently, in Mexico City during the 2009 flu pandemic.

And while we are hunkered down, why not take this as an opportunity to reflect on what life really means, what is truly important and what changes we should all make to improve ourselves (think more pictures with loved ones and less selfies).  And (re)connect with people who are (were) truly important in your life.

Take this as an opportunity to connect, and I mean truly connect, with those people in your life who are meaningful – that sibling you never have time to call, that teacher who always asks how you are doing, that coach who gave you (and others) life lessons in addition to improving your athletic skills, that instructor who taught you about life in addition to music or ballet or theatre.  The pastor or rabbi who always had time for you.  The neighbor from two houses over who came to your ballgames or cheered you on when you sold cookies or wrapping paper.  Your bestie – just because they are your bestie.

Daily check-ins with an aging parent or grandparent (think how you will feel when you are 82 and your daughter calls you every day?).  Drop a hand written note in the mail to that first great boss or motivational teacher to say thanks for giving you a role model to follow.   A quick email or text to a co-worker cheering them on about a big project or a recent success.  In a world of no sports, maybe a nice call to a sports buddy to just chat about life – the kids, the spouse, the challenges of the world.  Reconnect with a long lost friend – be direct, address that silly old issue that caused the separation and own it.  Restart the magic that you two used to have.  Make plans for 2021 to meet, to travel, to spend a weekend – put it on the calendar.  

Maybe make someone laugh today – a lot of stress our friend Corona is causing – people need to laugh.  Fact check - Corona’s parent company reports that its beer sales in the U.S. are up this year, contrary to viral Facebook posts that falsely claim its U.S. sales have dropped because of the new coronavirus.  Corona Extra sales grew 5% in the U.S. in the latest four-week period, which ended Feb. 16 — “nearly doubling the 52-week trend for the brand,” the company said. The company’s sales are primarily focused on the U.S. market, according to a statement from Constellation Brands. Only 2.7% of the company’s $8.1 billion in sales of all its products were outside the U.S. in fiscal year 2019.

And now we have time.  Time to reflect.  Self-reflection is defined as “meditation or serious thought about one’s character, actions, and motives.” It’s about taking a step back and reflecting on your life, behavior and beliefs. Can we all course correct a bit and make it better (for others and ourselves)?

We keep moving. We push through. We don’t stop to reflect. We stay in jobs that are bringing us down, relationships that zap our energy, circumstances that leave us stressed, unhappy, frustrated and tired.  How do we break the cycle?

We keep running on the road of life thinking we don’t have time to waste. So we keep moving in order to keep up. But too often, we flame out. That’s because the only way to keep up with the pace of life is to hit the pause button. To hop off the highway of life. To reflect on what’s working and what’s not. To identify what to keep and what needs to change.  Our friend Corona has given us fear and panic but also time – let’s use this time.

It’s essential to understand yourself at a deeper level.  Self-awareness and a little soul searching is critical to success in all areas of our lives.  Taking time for self-reflection about life leads to greater self-awareness which in turn leads to self-improvement. In addition, having a strong sense of self improves our own self-esteem.  Some questions to ask yourself now that ESPN is showing classic Lakers/Celtics matchups from the 80’s and the news channels are 24/7 on the Corona virus:

Am I using my time wisely?  Am I taking things for granted?  Am I putting enough effort into my most important relationships?  Am I taking care of myself physically and mentally?  Am I letting things that are out of my control stress me out?  Am I achieving the goals that I’ve set for myself (do I have goals)?  Am I holding on to something (or someone) I need to let go of?  What matters most to me in my life?  Have I made someone smile or laugh today?  When did I last push myself out of my comfort zone?  If I had to instill one piece of advice for my 5 year old self, what advice would I give?  What small act of kindness was I once shown that I will never forget?  What one thing do I need to change about myself?  How many of my friends would I trust with my life?  Who has had the greatest impact on my life?  What do I want most in life?  What’s the one thing I’d like others to remember about me?  When all is said and done, what will I have said more than I’ve done?

We can reflect and make change.  One thing Mother Nature has taught us with her disasters and pandemics is that the destructive power of nature also has the power to regenerate. Following the lead of nature, we can undoubtedly translate how we respond to this virus into life lessons of regeneration and resiliency.  Connect and reflect.  Take these moments to make change, to make a difference.

And finally - be kind, and don’t panic in a time when everyone is trying to figure this out, because the crazy run on toilet paper highlighted the fact people are not thinking of others (self-absorbed, selfie-driven, me first, entitled culture).  Before you react, be selfless, and think of the vulnerable, and how your actions can affect them.  Be safe, stay safe and remember this is not about you - but about us.  Stay inside, wash your hands and use this time to make positive change.

Together.  We.  Win.