If you spend any time looking at media, social or otherwise, you may think that the world has gone to hell in a handbasket. We have spent months in lock down fearing a killer virus that threatens our health and economy. Then, as soon as we think we have a plan to help control the virus and open the economy, the cities of the United States are being destroyed by violent criminals taking advantage of what should be peaceful protests. It is easy to think that a crisis always brings out the worst in people.
Actually, the exact opposite is true. Yes, there are bad eggs, but most people tend to step up and ban together during difficulties.
Rebecca Solnit writes that, “The history of disaster demonstrates that most of us are social animals, hungry for connection, as well as for purpose and meaning.” A truly dire situation, as tragic as it is, “drags us into emergencies that require we act, and act altruistically, bravely, and with initiative in order to survive or save our neighbors, no matter how we vote or what we do for a living.”
I have seen and heard many examples of people stepping up during the pandemic and riots. Neighbors dropping off groceries for their elderly neighbors, people guarding businesses during the riots, and individuals providing financial or emotional support through offerings of coaching support. Personally, I have been working an abbreviated schedule since the pandemic began, our staff split into two teams each working 3 days per week. Our schedule has been shorter in hours, but longer in mental and physical effort. In spite of the challenging circumstances that we find ourselves in, I have experienced great effort from our manager and team, working to create an environment of safety for ourselves and service to our clients and their pets.
Few clients are critical and impatient, most are generous and understanding to our new policies and procedures. This week I received the most wonderful thank-you card from a client, that was decorated in stickers – including one of me – thanking me for helping her bird to recover. Last week we received a large check from one of our clients to help us buy food for multiple lunches. We have also had many deliveries of various foods from appreciative clients and fellow team members.
When crises arise in your life, may you benefit from generous friends and a generous heart. Always remember that acts of kindness are also good for the people that do them. Working to develop your generous spirit will create more happiness in you and for you.
Stay healthy, stay kind and stay generous.
Dr. Julie Cappel
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