Mindy spoke about how COVID has affected and changed us. Pre-pandemic, our lives were made up of very distinct pods – work, family, friends. With COVID all of these merged into one -- work, home, and play. We lost the ability to freely move about between various groups and at one level or another were relegated to our home base.
Not a single person in the world has been untouched by this pandemic. Our tourism industry was the hardest hit – restaurants, hotels. Schools & universities have had to scramble to reinvent themselves to support virtual learning.
Everyone has a story. Recently Mindy met a young mother who told her it was the 1st time in nine months that she’s been outside with her new baby. The risk here is that the lack of social interaction may result in delayed learning. It’s extremely tough on people, of all ages.
Another lady, 99 years old, went out for the 1st time in over a year, to get her vaccine. It has been a difficult and lonely time.
Mindy caught COVID in oct 2020. It had felt like she was fighting a cold then lost her sense of smell so decided a test would be prudent. She was totally taken by surprise by the positive result. How did she get it!? She had been so careful. She was filled with shame, worry and anxiety. She worried about everyone around her, her employees, her family. She had no exit plan if she were to die.
Luckily it turned out to be a mild case, as it was for her husband and son who caught it as well. They are all very grateful for that fact. All of her employees were tested, all negative, thankfully.
Not being able to see our loved ones, friends, family, coworkers, is taking its toll. Despite all of this COVID has given us some gifts.
We have managed to learn new things, how to do things digitally, how to do things without meeting in person. Certainly, everyone knows how to wash their hands, thoroughly and frequently.
We should celebrate our resilience, that we are getting through it. We, the collective we, need a strong recognition for gratitude.
How do we go from here into the transformed world? How can we do that? We will need to manage the healing, instill the feeling of abundance. It involves some risk, putting yourself out there. It all starts with you and me.
Starting with yourself means taking care of yourself by eating well, exercising, getting enough sleep. The generosity starts with you.
Mindy has been in the business of gift giving for 28 years. She has seen 1st hand the benefits of generosity and recipricocity. It is beyond a simple thank you. It is making gestures in small ways – a smile, an acknowledgement. Be appreciative of all life has to give, even in these times of restriction. Be mindful of others – we don’t know their stories. Be the hero – be the first to step up and show gratitude and appreciation.
How do we do this? How do we engage more? Start with the language you use – do you praise or paralyze. Use visual queues – smile with your eyes. Listen to others without judgement. These positive emotions invigorate people more than you’ll know at the time.
A hint: perfect, amazing, wonderful – these are 3 words that always have a positive effect on others. Incorporate them into your regular vocabulary.
Mindy’s family has been touched by COVID, not just Mindy and her immediate family. Her niece’s husband, in Dubai, caught COVID. For a while he was hanging by a thread. They didn’t know if he would make it. The family, who are located all over the world got together on line to offer support and connection. Pre-covid it wouldn’t have occurred to them that this was possible. Thankfully he is recovering.
In closing, it is worthy to note that everyone is struggling with something. Care intently, come from a place of forgiveness and compassion.
Mindy hopes that today you have been inspired to look at others with perhaps a little different perspective. With a spirit of generosity. Every day you can so simple things to help others feel better. When we feel good, we automatically want to be good to others. That is the circle of caring.
As the Chief Development Officer, Broek Bosma leads all fundraising initiatives and campaigns for St. Paul's Foundation.
@rotaryactsofkindness2021
