by Melvylin Pace.
People can make great plans, and it is very satisfying when those plans work out as expected. BUT, the true measure of the strength and character of a person or a relationship is how people deals with the unexpected things in life. No one could have ever imagined this present time and the impact of Covid-19 and this Pandemic on our culture and on our daily lives. The very things that now keep us safe (staying at home, keeping six feet apart, and wearing masks) are the very things that isolate us from our loved ones and friends.
We feel safer spending time with close family and friends, but even here…we must practice caution. We must be on an even higher alert as we navigate the upcoming holidays…Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Celebrations. All of our relatives and friends cannot stay home (school, work, etc.). So, it is imperative… very important… that families commit to safe practices as we move into the holiday season.
Practice these things:
- Limited numbers
- Wear masks
- Keeping distances
- Re-thinking safe ways to serve food and drinks, …that is use limited preparers and servers, and use more individual containers and individually wrapped items.
Use these options to “Stay safe” and “Stay together”:
- Facebook Messenger, Facebook videos, and Face Time
- ZOOM, IMO, SKYPE, Big Blue Button, and GroupMe
- Phone calls, cards, notes, and letters
- Complete family puzzles, games, quilts and projects
- Teamwork for duties such as cleaning and cooking
- Test and Quarantine as the need arises
- Notify close family and friends of possible exposures to the virus to allow effective quarantine measures
Difficult times means we must put more time and thought into staying together safely. Relationships thrive with attention and somehow involving and engaging others. Every family looks different and every family is different.
Be Creative! What things and activities work well for your family? Engage and include family members in meaningful and enjoyable activities and moments. This bears repeating, test and quarantine when exposures occur.
At Better Tomorrows, we strive to help clients on their journey by finding better choices today. Practice good self-care in every way … mind, body, and spirit. Counseling is an excellent option for self-care. No one should have to feel scared, sad, worried, depressed, left-out, or lonely.
Take special precautions to care for yourself, your family, and other close relationships.