Late Friday afternoon I worked remote from a park with one of my colleagues. “Nice office!” someone called out to us. It was.
Wow! What a week! Like many others here in Portland, OR I’m on Day 7 now of physical distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19. I spent last weekend doing a pre-planned personal writing retreat and I was Not Alone in Solitude since many others started hunkering down last weekend, too.
I do not in any way mean to diminish the horrible things happening in the world right now; I’ve certainly had many moments of sadness, anger, and anxiety in the past week, as I’m sure you have, too. But I have also found that this week has been a strange reset. With the time I would have spent commuting or prepping for or unwinding from my regular commitments, back in my time budget, I’ve found myself feeling more spacious. I have turned off my alarm clock and slept better than I have in years. (Those of you who know that I struggle with insomnia will recognize that this is a small miracle, maybe even a medium miracle!) I’ve also gotten more sunshine. I’ve eaten when I’m hungry (and usually outside). I’ve taken more walks and more cat naps.
I’ve also had more heartfelt conversations. In fact, I’ve probably been more social this week than I usually am, albeit more creatively. My friend Seth who works in public health has suggested that we quit using the term “social distancing” because we really don’t want to be socially distant. We want to be physically distant and social close during these times. (This article from Psychology Today agrees.)
One of the highlights of this week was on Thursday evening when ten of us in five different cities threw a virtual surprise birthday party for a college pal of mine. We gathered up on a Google Hangout and after a few moments of us all hiding from our webcams we realized all we needed to do was put sticky notes over our cameras. So we did. His spouse called him into the room with “you’ve got to see this funny video” and we all “jumped” out to surprise him. Needless to say, it WAS a surprise and SUCH a fun way to celebrate our friend!
I realized that night that this week has actually been incredibly inspirational. While I have serious concerns about our global economy and about how various governments (including our own) are handling this pandemic, my faith in humanity has been largely restored this week.
In fact, I’ve been so inspired by the people I love doing such amazing things in the face of this adversity, that I started making a list. And I’m inviting YOU to join me in the Silver Lining Challenge.
Here is a snapshot, just 10 of the things on the list right now, which currently has 100 inspirations on it:
reconnect with a long-lost friend (Ricardo)
bake bread (Martin)
start a new journal (Lina)
buy gift cards to favorite small businesses (Melia)
play an instrument outside (Janet)
write a reassuring letter to colleagues, students, clients (Caity)
join (or start) a virtual game night with friends (Seth)
create a text network to support an elderly neighbor (Isha)
have a picnic under the cherry blossoms (Beth)
promise sooo many hugs when this whole thing is over (Eric)
Mind you, this is NOT a to do list. There is ZERO obligation to do any or all of the things on this list. But if you find yourself feeling stir-crazy… or lonely… or anxious… or, um, bored... (is that a thing anymore? I can’t remember being bored since I was 10 years old!) maybe you’ll look at the list for some inspiration and reassurance that people are good and creative and loving.
If you want in, you can join the Silver Lining Challenge Facebook group and/or join the Silver Lining Challenge Google sheet. Keep being amazing, humans! We’re in this together!