What to do instead of hiding

In conversations lately, I’ve heard a lot of insecurity about the world and our place in it, money and having “enough” of it, and time and losing it to constant recalibrating. And that was before the virus started spreading.

I can’t be the only one who wants to hide when things happen that have no clear solution.

Of course plans need to change in order to keep people healthy, and of course our businesses and lives will change along with those plans. Kids will be home from school. Customers will make less of some purchases while buying a whole bunch of toilet paper.

And what do we do in the face of all of this?

Some ideas, and I’d love to hear yours too:

1. Remember the basics. Take deep breaths, drink water and wash your hands often. Like every great goal you’ve achieved, the small consistent steps are the most meaningful.

2. Stay grounded. Brush your teeth while looking in the mirror and really see yourself. You’re here. You’re safe in this moment. You are loved big time.

3. Show people you care. Tell people you love them. Phone calls, sending letters (there’s still time to join my real mail #hugtour or start your own!), smiling at drivers you pass on the highway or shoppers in the aisle over. Thanking postal workers, school bus drivers and pharmacists.

4. Create contingencies. Life changes all the time, and though now feels unprecedented it will feel that way again in the future. What’s most important? Really answer that question for yourself, your family and your work, and then make plans accordingly.

5. Make lemonade. I’m pretty sure you’re already good at this one. Enjoy the first signs of spring by looking for them everywhere. Get dirty finishing a home improvement project and feel good about the accomplishment. Re-start that daily gratitude journal. Borrow more books from the library. Use the changes as a way to innovate your work.

And if accountability helps—we are A students after all—email me about how you’re making lemonade.

Maybe we can brainstorm some fun ideas or inspire each other to get creative.

Let’s make the most of this time. How special it is.

Overwhelmed? This will help.

Watching the news, talking to friends, hearing what’s happening around you and around the world can all feel like too much.

What can you possibly do to help?

I’ve been searching lately myself, cycling through feeling lost by what I see and hear and then feeling incapable of making “enough” of a difference to matter.

That thinking isn’t useful for anyone, especially ourselves.

This quote appeared at the perfect time to remind me what’s most important. I hope it helps you too.

I have another idea that could help — keep reading to learn about my #RealMail #HugTour.

What we do today, right where we are, matters more than we’ll ever know. Every compliment and thoughtful gesture ripples out wider and wider into our circles and beyond.

What’s something we can do today?

Share more love.

• Love for ourselves. Time away from phones reading in quiet corners and walking along silent trails. Carve out at least 15 gloriously still minutes for yourself today. You deserve it.

• Love for others. Buy a stranger coffee, call someone you care about, hug like you mean it (always my favorite). All of these require us to be present with the other person, aware of where we are right now and who is here with us.

We have each other.

I’m so glad to have you on this journey with me.

Want to join me in sharing more love??

Starting this week, I’m sending Real Mail HUGS to friends, family, clients, readers, and loved ones around the world. I’d love to add you to my list.

If you or someone you know would enjoy Hugs in their mailbox, share your address here:

I believe in you and what’s possible when we work together.