“We are in the same storm but not the same boat.” – Anonymous

This global pandemic is the storm of the century, and we’re not all in the same boat. While many of us are doing our best to weather the storm, the harsh reality is some are doing better than others, to no fault of their own.

For some, this is more like a vacation. They no longer have to go to a job they hate, and they’re getting paid to relax, enjoy daily virtual happy hours and tend to their hobbies. For others, this is destroying their families and putting them in the most dangerous position of their lives, mentally, physically, emotionally and financially. There might be elements of commonality – we are all in the same storm – but at the end of the day, we’re still individuals trying to survive in our different boats.

Because our circumstances are different, our needs are different. We’re coping, grieving, expressing and surviving in our own ways. For some, this is the most productive they’ve ever been, while others can’t seem to accomplish the most simple task. Some might be practicing deep, spiritual healing, while others find themselves on an emotional rollercoaster that won’t seem to end.

No matter how we look at this storm, it’s important for us all to recognize that we’re each experiencing and processing this storm in our own way. It’s easy to compare ourselves to others, but remember that we don’t know what it’s like on their boat. With this in mind, let’s focus on compassion, ease and grace. 

And while we take care of ourselves, let’s also make sure we take care of each other. A few easy ways to do this are:

• Share
  • If you have extra money, food or supplies, share with those who don’t. You can talk to your neighbors and community or you can donate to food banks and local drives who are accepting cleaning supplies, clothes and other essentials. 
• Volunteer virtually 
  • Plenty of organizations and nonprofits are still working to help provide for those in need. Idealist.org is a great place to look for COVID-19 and remote volunteer opportunities. You can also search for nonprofits in your area and see what virtual or contactless options they have available.
  • Here is another list of nonprofit organizations that need our help – How You Can Help – Washington Post
• Shop local
  • A lot of our local and small businesses won’t make it out on the other end of this. Visit your local grocery stores and small businesses before you hit the bigger stores. Small businesses need our love and support more than ever.
  • If you can’t afford to shop local or spend the extra cash, you can still support your favorite local small businesses by liking and commenting on their social media content, sharing their posts and telling your friends about them.
• Ask
  • Reach out to friends and family regularly. Send a text, email, write a letter or schedule virtual happy hours. A simple message can go a long way.
  • Talk to your neighbors and see if anyone needs help getting groceries and supplies. You can also post signs around your neighborhood with your contact information offering help for those in need.
• Kindness
  • We all could use a little more love and kindness right now. Say hi to your neighbors and smile when you can. Thank your local businesses and everyone who still has to go to work. They are putting their health at risk to save ours. Spreading positive energy benefits us and those around us as well.

We can’t change the past and we can’t predict the future but we can appreciate today. Let’s focus on how we can show up right now, for ourselves, our families and our communities. We might be weathering this storm in different boats, but we are all in this together.