Surreality

I know that “surreality” is not a word, but I think it should be. It feels like we are living in a surreal, constantly changing reality. Yesterday, April 16th, (I did not want to miss the Observer deadline!) I listened to Governor Mike DeWine talk about what life in Ohio will look like once we start to open up the state again. To be sure, we will be living a new “normal”.

One of the things that really hit home with me was that we are going to have to continue to remain vigilant regarding hygiene and social distancing. We will have to remember that there are people in our lives, people that we love, that are in high risk populations and the way we go back out into the world will affect them.

So, at a time when we are told about all of the things that we can’t do, I’d like to remind you of some of the things we can do.  I tried to come up with some positive ideas and ways we can keep busy while staying safe. I challenged myself to come up with an suggestion for every letter of the alphabet. Here we go!

Appreciate all of the people in your life and most importantly, let them know how you feel!

Bend and stretch. Make sure you get some exercise in.

Count your blessings. As difficult as things are, we are truly blessed here in Euclid.

Develop a plan as to how you will protect yourself and your family as you go out into the world.

Educate yourself as to the risks of your exposure to COVID 19.

Fill out the 2020 Census! It is important for the city and state that you are counted!

Guard yourself against negativity and fear.  Make sure you get a steady dose of positivity!

Help where you can. Being useful and productive is good for your spirit!

Identify ways you can spruce up the yard if you have some extra time on your hands!

Join an online book club.

Keep wearing facemasks and washing your hands frequently.

Listen to your favorite music. Music is good for the soul!

Mow the lawn. It will get you outside and there’s nothing like the smell of freshly cut grass.

Nurses are amazing people. If you know one, be sure to thank them!

Order some take-out from one of Euclid’s great restaurants.

Pray for an end to this virus, for the safety of those treating patients with the virus.

Question the necessity of going out. Keep trips to a minimum.

Remember that this too will pass. In the meantime, take care of yourself!

Show kindness whenever possible. In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

Talk to someone about how you are feeling.  You do not have to do this alone.

Update your passwords. Scammers are working overtime!

Visit your family and friends digitally or by phone. In this day and age, we have lots of options.

Weed your flower beds. Take advantage of another opportunity to get out of the house.

X Ok, I’ll be honest. I have nothing. If you can think of something, let me know!

Yell across the yard or driveway to say hello to your neighbors.

Zero in on your priorities. After this experience, I am sure many of us will make adjustments.

I’m sure that you can come up with many more suggestions.  I look forward to the day when we will be able to meet at events in the city, stop and talk in the grocery stores, restaurants or other businesses. This separation is difficult but at the most basic level, it is how we express our love for others. I pray that your family stays safe. If there is any way that I can be of assistance to you, please don’t hesitate to contact me a bmoore@cityofeuclid.com.