Be honest. Are you grateful for what you have? Have you stopped to appreciate the situation you are in recently?
As I mentioned before, gratitude is a great way to set yourself on the path to happiness, so for y’all’s sake, I hope you are integrating this practice into your lives.
It’s perfectly understandable if you feel that life’s been kicking humanity in the nuts for about a year now, we can all feel the lingering sensation of that force. However, if you still have a job, your livelihood, a roof over your head, some level of stability and people to depend on, you should be thankful. Not everyone can say the same.
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I know, I know, the world is full of unfortunate people regardless of the current situation, but this shitshow probably hit closer to home for someone you know.
I have friends and family who lost jobs or whose livelihoods have been reduced to below the bare minimum, simply because they chose the ‘wrong’ profession.
Musicians who are now forced to deliver pizza. Actors who are now performing to an empty hall and a camera so that the recordings could bring them some kind of income. Personal trainers who freeze their balls off in outdoor functional training parks, just to make ends meet. Chefs, waiters, artists etc.
You can’t help everyone.
You just can’t. We all have our problems and challenges, but the luckiest of us can work from home and still receive our pay at the end of the month. If you are one of the fortunate ones and feel that you have the means and the energy to give back, please do. Not because I ask you, but because I’m sure you know someone who has it worse than you right now.
How can you give back?
Here are a few ideas. (I’m only giving a few examples, but if you really want to direct your good intentions well, do your research.)
Watch a concert online
Many bands now go into small studios or clubs and perform live, for a remote audience. I’ve watched a concert like this. You can still drink a beer and bang your head, only, you can do so in your pyjamas. So, new catchphrase… save a musician, headbang in your PJs… okay, I’ll work on that.
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Watch a recorded theatre performance
Whatever people say of stage actors’ overacting, theatre has power and really good theatre translates even through the medium of film.
Again, you get to enjoy the fact that you can suck up some culture while sitting on your couch, eating chips. Just make sure to remember that is not how a real theatre works.
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Work with a trainer online
Many personal trainers now offer their services remotely, via video conferencing. If you feel like your motivation to exercise has left you, get a trainer who will make you sweat your ass off from the comfort of his or her own living room. Most do this for a reduced price, so it’s a good deal for you while you still get the necessary kick in the behind to get off your couch and into some good old squats or planks or whatever else.
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Order some food
I’m not saying that you should have every meal delivered, but if there’s a restaurant you really like and would visit during normal times, support them and treat yourself to dinner from that place every once in a while. My favourite restaurant went bankrupt during the first wave and I cannot help feeling guilty for not ordering from them at least once. It might not have made a difference but still. A little can go a long way.
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Support (local) artists
Know someone who wrote a book? Buy it. Want to buy a thoughtful gift? Get something unique from an artist. Creative, one-of-a-kind items make better – and more sustainable – presents.
Again, the sad truth is that you can’t help everyone in need. Just look around and if there’s a way you can give back, do it. Charity starts at home. Do what you can.