How’s it going over there?
I’m sure I’m not the only one who's been thinking about our current situation -- managing the day to day, adjusting to our new normal, and taking care while staying sane.
I’ve been thinking about you too - and how so many of you let me know you’re barely holding it together.
If the family is clothed and fed, you probably feel a little bit like Wonder Woman. And that might be because there’s no such thing anymore as a day job and a side gig. All the gigs have squished together like a 90s mosh pit.
We’re doing what we have to do right now, not necessarily what we want to do.
Which is weird because I can think of a lot of jobs I’d never want to do, and it’s crazy they involve a lot of the work I’m doing now. I can tell you for sure that I don’t ever want to be a full-time teacher, chef, nail technician, or nurse.
But speaking of nurses….
I know a guy whose wife is an oncology nurse. Last year, she missed a Christmas party because she had to work. “Awww,” we all said when he told us she wasn’t coming. “That’s so sad.”
He shook his head violently. “Are you kidding?” he said. “She has the best job in the world! Every single day, she gets to be the best part of someone’s worst day.”
You can always be the best part of someone else’s worst day.
And that phrase has always stuck with me.
Especially when I think about my friends working in the healthcare profession right now. They are exhausted, worn out, and emotionally spent. There’s a big sign in front of our local hospital that reads: “Heroes Work Here.,” and every time I pass it, I smile. It’s lonely and terrifying work, but the ones on the front lines also tell me that it’s extremely gratifying.
I, too, want to be the best part of someone’s worst day.
On days like today.
When I found out my senior is going to have an online graduation ceremony.
And probably not until July.
And when my friend told me her husband’s job was furloughed with paychecks to end “immediately.”
And when my daughter saw her friends from across the street and couldn’t go hug them.
And when this lady I don’t even know who wanted to buy a bed we were selling on Facebook marketplace told me about her daughter fleeing an abusive husband.
Oh, there’s so many things out of my control right now!
But you know what? In the midst of all this bad news, I have an opportunity to be “good news.”
Even in quarantine I can find a way to make someone else’s day better.
And I don’t have to be an oncology nurse (or any other kind of nurse) to do that. I just have to be…
AVAILABLE.
THOUGHTFUL.
PRACTICAL.
Some ideas:
I love these cards from The Hope Deck, perfect to pop in a mailbox, tape to a bathroom mirror, or leave on a pillowcase for a child to find.
Jeni’s Ice Cream is always a fun treat. (You know I love good ice cream because I’m always talking about it!) Try the Terrace Brunch or the Virtual Crowd Pleaser collection.
Send a video text to your best friend, so she can see your pretty face.
Buy some happy stickers and pop them in the mail. You could also add these limited edition coronavirus stickers to your favorite water bottle or face mask.
And of course, don’t forget to remind your bestie to “follow her mission, not the madness” with one of these cool tees.
The thing about quarantine that I’ve found most surprising is that my emotions are like little ghosts, creeping around, both there and not there at the same time, and jumping out at me when I least expect it. And I’ve found that this is true for a lot of people right now. It’s not just me. A really good day can turn into a bad day in an instant.
Above all else, be kind. Be extraordinarily kind.
Then count your blessings because the best job in the world is the one you’d do even if no one paid you to do it. And you’re in luck because being the best part of someone’s worst day is something we can all do—FOR FREE.
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And as always, please feel free to reach out to me with comments or suggestions. I read every single message, and I love hearing from you.