Last updated on April 12, 2020
In the time of coronavirus, I’m feeling very grateful. I’m employed and my job has not been negatively affected by the global pandemic. Although Czech Republic is in a state of emergency, people here are taking the situation seriously and doing their part to flatten the curve. Non-essential businesses are closed and we’re staying indoors except for brief visits outdoors for exercise, while keeping our distance from other people.
As I’ve watched the news and heard the stories of people and businesses that are struggling, I wonder what small thing I can do to help. My eyes and mind are open to the possibilities.
Small Acts of Helpfulness
I’ve posted before of the ways I’m trying to support other people. I’ve been trying to think of other ways that I can serve other people.
I’m focused on small acts. Here are a few things I’ve done in the past week that I hope helped at least one person:
- Posted a podcast episode on meditation
- Shared a resource that parents and teachers can use
- Ordered takeaway from a local food truck whose owners I know were worried about their business during this crisis
- Checked in with friends
- Posted uplifting messages to Facebook
- Donated $100 to a person who lost their job
- Offered on Facebook to send a surprise to 4 women who participate (by commenting on my post and offering the same to 4 other women)
The first 4 women to comment on this message will get a surprise from me in 2020. Either I’ll make you lunch (later of course), take you to the movies, send you a card, book etc. It’ll be something that I think you’ll like.
Example of post to Facebook
One condition: You should do the same by posting this to your wall and passing kindness to four other women. Looking forward to who are the 4 ❤️❤️❤️❤️
It’s been very helpful for me to create this list. I’ve felt ineffectual, wishing that I could do something more to help others. I’ve clearly done something, but I’d like to do more.
Finding Opportunities to Help
I was a teacher for 14 years and I can’t imagine the strain that educators and parents are feeling right now. And there are so many stories of people who are struggling. I’m open to your suggestions of things we can do to help other people.
What are you doing to help others? Or are you one of the people who need help? However much we each have, we can keep open hearts, and open eyes and ears for opportunities to help someone else. This isn’t about how much money you have. There are people who need financial assistance but also many in need of connection.
Look around you. I have no doubt that there is at least one person you know who you can help! Please share your acts of kindness and connection in the comments to inspire us to join you.
During April, I’m participating in the writing prompts challenge from WordPress.com. Want to participate? Find the prompts here.
Featured image source: Dan Meyers
Nice list to remind us of things that are meaningful and helpful to others.
Thank you for commenting Oneta. What a lovely haiku about your brother and niece on your blog.
Yes, thank you for writing a positive post about these times. I did the same for this writing prompt. I’ve been feeling grateful, like you, and also trying to help in ways that I can, but I haven’t written it all down.
Hello from Thailand, by the way. 🙂
Hello Lani! Thank you for your comment. It’s nice to read other positive posts as well. I hope that you and your family are well. Hello from Prague 🙂