Look for the helpers.

Published: Mon, 03/16/20

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” —Fred Rogers

So many people have chosen to be "helpers" during this time, and it's deeply moving. I'm proud of how my friends and colleagues have decided to step forward and serve.

- One friend recorded a guided audio meditation to help reduce stress and anxiety. She's sharing the recording with everyone in her community. It's free. (She told me, "It's a small thing and it's not 'perfect' but I just wanted to put it out there.")

- Many schools are closed, which is causing severe difficulty for many working parents. One of my friends paid for daycare services (an astounding act of generosity) so that several moms in her community could continue going into work, knowing that their kids are in good hands.

- Another friend is buying gift certificates to help local small businesses stay afloat.

How will you help?

What choices will you make?

How will you take good care of yourself and others?

Even if you are tired, anxious, depleted, or feel like you don't have "enough," even so, there’s always something you can do to help. Something big, small, or very-very-very tiny. It all counts.

Your choices, your efforts, and your contributions do matter.

Checking in with an elder. Teaching a class. Releasing your new song, drawing, essay, any kind of art, to add beauty to the world and soothe weary spirits. Purchasing. Donating. Doing. Even just listening. It all helps. It all matters. Often, more than you think.

Look for the helpers.

And be one.

-Alex

PS. If you want to help your community and the world, but you're not quite sure what to do, here's some inspiration: over 50 ways to be generous and make a difference in people's lives...that don't require much time or money.

PPS. If you're experiencing a mental health crisis and need to talk to someone right now, reach out to Crisis Text Line. Volunteers are available 24/7 to listen and help, for free.

PPPS. If you wish you could talk to an elder and ask for advice, check out Elder Wisdom Circle. You can chat online with a "cyber grand-parent" and receive compassionate, confidential advice on any topic, and it's free.

PPPPS. Making a checklist can help you feel a little bit calmer, stronger, and less overwhelmed. Try making a daily checklist, self-care checklist, or loose-end checklist. Not sure how? >>> I have lots of free checklist templates for you: here and here. Download the templates. Fill them out. Check things off. Celebrate your tiny wins throughout the day. Breathe.

PPPPPS. Music can feel like medicine. Here's a calm, folky yoga playlist. Here's a high energy, vigorous playlist for times when you want to sweat...even if you’re doing it at home. I also love this Classical Reading playlist. Or if you need to perk up your energy and get some work done, try Baroque Music.

PPPPPPS. Reach out to someone you love, even if they seem fine, because you never know. They might be quietly struggling. They might feel really alone. Your text or call ("Hey. I love you. I’m here for you. How are you doing...really?") will mean so much. Be a beam of light in someone's day. The impact you have on someone's life...might be bigger than you think.