Time to Help


This is the strangest life I’ve ever known. - Jim Morrison

I can’t get that quote out of my head. The last few days of watching the world have really been interesting, confusing, and frightening. My hope is that people will start treating each other more humanely as we adjust to our new way of life. We can’t afford to devolve into a society focused only on self.

Here is my request for everyone: please take care of yourself and your immediate family. We start conquering this pandemic by listening to the simple guidelines being given by professionals that know how to stop this from spreading. Wash your hands, avoid touching your face, stay out of large groups, and don’t hoard. It’s actually pretty simple to follow.

Problems appear when people let our ego make decisions. It’s not just selfish to place our needs above everyone else’s. It’s dangerous. There are many who don’t have the physical or monetary resources to get what they need right now. That makes this the moment when we can all put our personal interests aside and take care of the vulnerable. 

It’s time to take a few minutes to check on the elderly, infirm, those with fixed or low income, the homeless, basically, anyone that doesn’t have it as good as you do. Offering to make a grocery run, fill a prescription, transport to the hospital or doctor, or just talk on the phone, are all great ways to remind those isolated without choice that they are important. It’s too easy to get lost in the shuffle when everyone is focused on their own needs. Those without a ready-made social network need us to reach out right now.

Not only does this altruistic action benefit those that need it, but it helps us too. Giving unselfishly changes our state of mind. We become more positive, our immune system responds, and we find new ways to deal with our situation. Generosity and concern for others can help us all.

You don’t have to save the world. Just think of one person to check on today. Tomorrow, check on another. One day at a time, one life at a time, we can build support networks that can save lives.


Times are strange. It’s time to diffuse the weirdness with love. 

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