Spring has sprung! And here in California, it just doesn’t feel like it. Occasionally, it looks like spring, when the sun pops out from behind the dark rain clouds, but it definitely doesn’t feel like it! Which, rain is a good thing, but with everything else going on in the world, more specifically our US of A, it’s pretty depressing. It’s cold, gloomy and this social distancing is not great for mental health.
I wrote a post on my IG account the other day, about checking in on each other, and doing a little more to not to just “get lost” in the endless scrolling and habitual “double tapping” or just “liking” someones photo. I know I am on social media more than I usually am. And to look at our current situation, one that seems to have no end in sight, at the moment, it’s pretty depressing! I have to reflect on the fact that this is how life is, for an unforeseen amount of time. Scrolling, liking, heart-ing things endlessly or just mindlessly getting lost, is it wasting time? Do you think spending all this time on these platforms is harmful or beneficial? I think, like pretty much everything, it’s both. We need now, more than ever to be social when and where we can. And since we are not suppose to go out, social media platforms it is! We just have to be more mindful than we were before. We all need an outlet. For having relationships, feeding our creativity or just for something to do other than feeding our family, cleaning and organizing the house. But, if we are just scrolling and “liking” photos, that isn’t engaging your person. You’re just working out your finger. So I challenge you, like I do myself, to go beyond just looking at someones photos, or reading what they posted. Get out of your comfort zone. At the very least, drop a heart or some other emoji in the thread. But why not do more that that, write a comment, send a private message and converse. Spark up new relationships. We have nothing to lose and what better time than right now!
This isn’t easy on anyone, and it is super weird to really think about what is going on. We are all in the same boat. And some of our boats are in worse shape than others. Some are older and shouldn’t even go out to the store. Some have multiple children at home, young or older, they all come with challenges. Maybe you’re alone, or live in an apartment not a house with a yard. This list could go on, point being perspective. Perspective can change everything. So can being grateful. It isn’t easy to keep your chin up 24/7, especially under these circumstances, that is where relationships come in to play. Reaching out of your comfort zone and broadening your support system. AND being a support system for someone else. You never know the impact you can have on someones day by just giving a smile, right?! Well, now that our smile radius is insanely limited, change your smile out for kind words. I mean, don’t stop smiling, but words… those leave a different imprint. One that someone can go back and see with their eyes, they can re-read your words, they can hear it in their mind, over and over. And I know you all know by now just how powerful the mind is! Spread kindness in any mode that you can. FaceTime someone, post comments, write a private message and even go old school and actually handwrite someone a letter. (imagine that!) The Postoffice is still delivering mail not just packages.
Just remember “we are allll in thiiis togeeeeether…” (yes, I’m singing High School Musical songs) that is what this has come to.
I really would like to hear from you. What you are doing to keep your chin up? And if you need an ear to listen, send me a message. I am trying to hold myself accountable to engaging more on my IG account and my Blog. It is my outlet for all the things I love to do, it’s my creative outlet.
Thanks for stopping by and Happy Spring you guys!
~Jeanne
Chocolate Chip Cookies