Everyone is vulnerable…everyone in the world. We keep hearing, “We’re all in this together.” We’ve experienced differing reactions and responses to the virus, and it makes us wonder if we really have each others’ backs.
Now, more than ever, we need to be here for each other. We’re better together.
We asked ourselves, “How am I being and what am I learning?” And here’s what we’ve found:
Everyday interactions feel more personal. When you take the risk to be more vulnerable, to thank that grocery store cashier for being there doing her job, there is a veil removed. We’ve learned how to be real and present with people, so that there is a space for trust, understanding, and yes, even love, to exist for that one moment. Vulnerability blooms.
One of us said, “I’m looking for connections wherever they may occur, saying hello to someone on my walk – without being physically close, it’s still nice to say hello and see another face. Calling neighbors who I know live alone just to check on them.”
We are social beings and we need social connection. Amidst all the stress and difficulties we are facing, we’re using creativity and humor to be together. Zoom has become commonplace! Our families and friends are gathering virtually and finding new ways to be together. We’ve played charades to celebrate a birthday with family members far and wide! Dressing up in costumes during a family zoom and recreating a famous painting with the clothing and things we have around the house are a couple other things we’ve done.
We don’t have to do all of it alone. We were never meant to.” – Brene Brown
We’ve been amazed at the ingenuity and generosity of people. As serious as the pandemic is, we’re experiencing something new between groups of people that we’ve never seen before. Love is expressed in chalked sidewalks for everyone to see when walking their neighborhoods. People all over the world are showing their gratitude with applause, appreciation, and celebration for our frontline workers. Neighbors are running errands for their at-risk neighbors.
Another of us said, “I feel more kind and am sharing my compassion. This has me feeling more at peace with myself and nourished.”
As humans, we adapt. Everyday people are learning how to use technology (like Zoom) and finding ways to be together and sharing. One woman said of her family, “We are being more human with each other, and everyone is just hanging out at home. It’s so personal and fun. We have closer and tighter connections, more gratitude in our family.”
People are really opening up their hearts and talents, whether singing across balconies or sharing meals together while across the street from each other as we’ve seen in Italy.
The pandemic and shelter in place orders are exposing those many (generally unrecognized) people that our society relies on to function including the health care workers – in hospitals, doctor’s offices, home health care workers and personal care providers that so many elderly rely on. We may have not been conscious of these people who have always been saving our lives, day after day. This disease is reminding us of values that as humans we’ve lost sight of and to which society in general had become unconscious.
What’s different about what the Family of Women is for women during this Covid-19 stay-at-home? Our culture is one of deep relationship support; we have always been here for each other. So now we continue to lean on each other and maybe, sometimes, lean a bit more.
We know how important relationships are, everywhere in our lives. In fact, it’s one of our Core Values. We are responsible for our actions and communications, and we bring our best to all of our relationships. That is our legacy.
Lean on me, when you’re not strong
And I’ll be your friend
I’ll help you carry on
For it won’t be long
‘Til I’m gonna need
Somebody to lean on”-Bill Withers, “Lean on Me”