Archive for year: 2020

“Twenty-first century problems.“

This is what I texted my dad, a retired pharmacist, when I sent him a recent photo showing signage requiring social distancing and mask wearing that was posted on the walls at a local establishment. 

“These two things may stay after all this,” he replied. 

I thumbed down.

“Maybe not masks but social distancing is here to stay.” I agreed with him on that.

I despise mask-wearing. I haven’t had to do much of it but have several times at the grocery store. But fortunately, I’ve been working from home and have laid low the past few months—like everyone else— limiting outside community interaction. I have a small circle, with my son, ex-husband, and a few close friends, one of whom lives around the corner from me.

So now the masks. 

I don’t like them. 

Recently, I had to borrow a mask from my friend and wear it into our local brew pub that was newly re-opened. Masks are now required to walk through the place and to stand at the bar while getting our growler filled, as well as to go to bathrooms. Masks can be removed at seats. 

So now there are rules to remember. I wore the mask, conscious of how it made the air inside it hot with my breath and the way the cloth felt touching my mouth and nose. I didn’t like it. I felt self-conscious and conspicuous, despite not being the only one wearing a mask. 

I went to the bathroom and looked in the mirror while washing my hands. I didn’t like the look of the mask. It was cute though, with a small cherry pattern. Cute, for a mask. 

But I hated looking at myself in it. It felt wrong and I barely recognized myself.

“Thanks Rona!” This is what my son and I now say for fun as we try to keep our sense of humor about all things Covid. 

I looked down and away from the sight of me in the cute cherry mask. I felt a simmering annoyance. I felt resentment too.

I will do my part and respect requirements, but I will also be avoiding crowds and abstaining from mask wearing where possible.

So I rushed out of the bathroom to tell my friend at the bar I was leaving and having a bad mask moment. Mild anger rising, I hurried out of the brewery. I walked to my bike, pulling off my mask with one hand while simultaneously pulling the sunglasses off the top of my head with the other.

Mask now in my left hand, sunglasses in my right, I raised them to put on my face…and poked myself in the eye with them.

Sigh. I shook my head and thought: ”Go figure.”

Thanks Rona!

After working from home one afternoon—a fortunate position to be in during this Covid-19 time—I decided a bike ride was a great way to embrace the warm weather. I know exercise is important and I hadn’t been taking the time to work it in. I rode around my small town, biking through the downtown district and nearby waterfront park, grateful to focus on the simple act of pushing the pedals and feeling the fresh air on my face.

Despite the need to stay informed about the latest developments concerning the coronavirus, it’s also important to take a breath and walk—or bike—away from the 24/7 news cycle.

A few events and observations I had on my bike-about-town:

• Humor matters. In the midst of serious life events, a little levity makes a big difference in our ability to handle stress and anxiety. I see this much needed and clever humor daily while working in the social media realm and appreciate the funny memes surrounding toilet paper and essential businesses. Maybe you need a Quarantini—it’s just a regular martini, but you drink it alone in your house!
• Sometimes breaking the rules is a relief. Case in point—the group of four guys, a dad included, who were throwing a football back and forth to each other while walking in the road. It was early evening and no traffic was about, so why not? One person greeted me as I rode by and I smiled at their unconventional activity. I also happened upon a man playing music on a type of steel drum called a handpan. I sat to listen, as he unwittingly gave me an open-air concert, and marveled at the unique sound, thanking him after for sharing his skill.
• I saw a friend walking downtown and called out, crossing the street to have a brief conversation and get an update. But I couldn’t hug her, and it felt strange. This social distancing-in-action reminded me of the importance of touch—hugs, pats on the back, or tousling your kid’s hair. “It’s the little things” we hear about what matters, and I was aware that the freedom to give that seemingly small hug and show of affection is actually a big deal that furthers connection to each other.
• Let nature be a balm. The air was warm and the waterfront scenery beautiful, so I got off my bike, laid my jacket on the ground, and sat down to do nothing more than admire the sights and take in the sounds. Seagulls screeched and the wind blew waves that splashed against the break wall. Laying back to look up at the sky, I kept my focus on these priceless gifts that will remain constant. (And later that evening, the only soundtrack in my room was the rhythm of falling rain.) Seasons change, thank goodness.
• Slow down to stay sane. Life is hectic—the news is bad, working from home means juggling priorities while also trying to tend to kids, a grocery run is needed, and…whew. It’s a lot. The pressure can build to the point where frustration and annoyance get the best of us. Maybe it’s time for that 15-minute break, a welcome window to fit in a walk around the neighborhood. If you’re a pet owner, show your pet some affection, as having a furry friend nearby is proven to lower stress. Stand outside and take some deep breaths, listen to a piece of classical music. How about call or FaceTime a friend or family member just to say you’re thinking of them? After all, aren’t these the people we should always aim to connect with, no matter what’s going on in the world?
• Appreciate the commonplace. For me it was watching a kite being flown by bickering kids, people walking their dogs, and a couple holding hands. 

As your usual work schedule has no doubt been impacted by the spread of Covid-19, perhaps now is the time to consider what lessons can be learned from this unprecedented situation.

If you haven’t yet, it’s time to dip your toe into the magical and massive world of social media. No communication channel has generated more buzz–and confusion–than the ever-changing face of social media.

Most businesses use social media for marketing. With limited time and lean budgets, an efficient approach will help to get a handle on this Jell-O-like, algorithm-driven phenomenon.

First, identify your audience. Who are you trying to reach? And why is this niche important? Next, list a few goals. What is it you want your audience to know about you and what makes your business unique? More importantly, what interests them? (Note: This is not the time for a hard sell. It’s all about creating compelling text that’s interesting and informative. If it resonates, your business will gain traction.)

Now consider the major social media sites. Choose one, perhaps two, initially.

LinkedIn
Google+
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Instagram

It’s time to develop a posting calendar. When and where are you going to launch? Initial topics and frequency? Two to three times a week is good, using various types of content to keep things interesting. Set aside a regular time each week to post on your channels. Finally, be sure to allocate time for research and writing. What’s the online buzz? How might your posts leverage? Does it matter? Or perhaps it’s time for some pioneering.

The good news is there’s a world of online information at your fingertips.