These are trying times, y’all. And I, for one, am feeling useless and powerless.

Powerless in protecting my family and myself; powerless in that I have no working medical knowledge or experience that I can contribute to this catastrophe; powerless in that what I do, comparatively, seems insignificant at times like this.

Here is what I do know; I am really good at being genuine and connecting with people on basic, human levels.

Whenever I’m able to witness evidence of humanity within people — the real, vulnerable stuff — I feel all the more connected and chips away at the baseline of disconnection from people that I’ve felt for quite some time. Whether it’s what I see reported on the news about political polarization or a relative making a racist “joke,” all those things create barriers that can feel insurmountable.

I can’t imagine I’m alone in that sentiment and yes, I recognize the irony in that statement.

The result is that I do what I know how to do: create content and apparel that will provide connection with other people through laughter, vulnerability and The Golden Girls.

So…

What do you do if you're not one of the folx directly in harm’s way?* Stay home and/or take precautions, obviously, but what can you do to help folx who may be physically healthy but are having a challenging time with the quarantine (be it mentally or emotionally?)

Allow people to witness your humanity.

If there is even one thing that we can take away from this entire situation, it's that humans significantly depend on and are affected by one another.

In the instance of this pandemic, it's a freaking nightmare, but it can also mean that we have myriad opportunities to help one another. It may seem like the little things you know how to do or are able to do isn’t much but when everyone does something, a little amounts to HEAPS!

What can you contribute from your corner of the world?

Are you a fantastic baker? Are you a horrible baker? It doesn’t matter. Post that recipe on social media.
Someone *will* use it.
Have a funny story to share about your day?
Believe me, someone needs to laugh.
Selling a product that you think will help others?
Talk it up. More than likely, it will help others (and possibly distract them from what’s going on right now.)
Have a crap ton (or even a little) income to spare?
Donate to a COVID-19 relief fund.
Do you feel comfortable sharing on social media that you’re having a rough day and cried your eyes out?
At least one person will be able to relate.
Does your kid have a crap ton of sidewalk chalk? For the love of all that is holy walk around your block or down your street and leave positive messages. On the sidewalk. Everyone and their brother are taking walks now.
Can’t leave your home?
Leave a sign with an uplifting message in your window for people to see as they walk by.

Let people know they are not alone.

You don’t even need to utter/write/express the words “You are not alone.” The evidence is in the humanity of what you share. All contributions are valid and valuable because no matter what, everything we do affects those around us. We just need to decide how we want our fellow humans affected by our actions.

Stay safe, everyone. Please practice social distancing.

To the nurses, doctors, PA’s and medical staff who are taking care of so many sick folx and putting their lives at risk right now, I don’t know that we will ever truly be able to thank you.

However, I do know that when this is written into our history, that story will be about all of you. You are the true soldiers in this war.

With warmth and gusto,

H

*Nurses, doctors, PAs, other medical staff, grocery/drug/“essential” store employees, truck drivers, food delivery folx, postal/ FedEx and UPS workers, other crucial hospital staff that I'm forgetting, respiratory therapists, etc.

“This house has been quarantined!”