CoronaVirus

"We are connected in ways that are both terrifying and beautiful"

This is a scary time for our Planet. This is a scary time for our Countries, States, Cities... and for our homes. Today I want to talk about what to do if those in your "safe space" are not being so safe. The stress levels around this pandemic are far greater when we can not trust those whom we should be able to trust the most.

For me personally, washing my hands, sanitizing, not touching my face etc., are already my daily practice. I'm what you may call a germaphobe, and proud. So living with people that are not taking this seriously has made me feel unsafe in an enviornment I should feel most safe in -HOME.

For example:

If you make a Costco run, wash your hands when you get home...seems logical.

If you cough, cover your mouth....seems obvious.

If you are talking to someone, maybe try to keep a distance and offer an IOU for a future handshake... Oh, or not.

You see, one of my "roomates" is under the assumption that they are invincible. And this is one of the most dangerous thought patterns to have right now. No matter how healthy you believe you are, you are still resposible for stopping the spread to those around you. Everytime they refuse to wash, refuse to practice healthy distancing etc., they are putting a chain of possibly dozens, if not hundreds of others in harms way as well.

So, the following are some of my new boundaries around the "others" in the house (note these boundaries are not going to be adhered to, so they are more like survival techniques).

1. I have 1 cup, 1 bowl, 1 plate, I wash myself.

2. I do not share sit down "together" meals any longer.

3. Keep your darn hands off my pets.

4. I keep my distance at all times.

5. I NEVER touch my face, and wash my hands before and after touching anything that I ingest.

6. I no longer stress myself out with reminders to others, as they will just be thrown back at me as unnecessary. All I have control over is myself and my actions in order to prevent spread.

I hope you all are doing the best you can not only to protect yourself, but those around you, and those you have never met. They too are someones child, loved one, parent or friend. So no matter how invincible you believe yourself to be, remeber how many are helpless, and please...help.

Anytime you refuse to wash your hands, you engage in unnecessary activities with groups, you fail to do the right thing, you are putting peoples life's at risk - and your own. We are all facing a tremendous amount of stress right now, and there is no need to add to the stress if we can avoid doing so.

There are so many ways to help one another right now, the most important being to try to prevent the loss of life.

There is nothing positive about what we're facing together right now, but we are facing it together. Nature has no divide and we are all reminded of how similar we are to one another at a time like this. Similar in our ability to love, in our ability to be vulnerable to illness, in being human and in our fears. Yes, please wash your hands... not only for your safety, but for those around you, for their loved ones, and on.

Side rant: overbuying and panicking to the degree where we take necessity from others will just cause harm. Buy what you need, but remember that others have needs too. Reduce your social activity, but remember that we have to keep our economy alive. Try calling your local shop or restaurants, or visit their website to place an order if you don't feel like getting out. And most important, remember - that we are all in this together.

My heart goes out to anyone who has lost a loved one, and anyone effected right now in any way. "Reach out with your heart."

Disclaimer: I am an artist, not when it comes to grammer, so please forgive any mishaps. Thank you!