“If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it”

As we reflect on the past weeks in our nation’s history, our hearts are heavy with sadness. In the midst of an unprecedented health crisis that has caused so much hardship and pain, so much turmoil and readjustment in the way we live our lives, so much separation and uncertainty… We have been reminded of our nation’s tragic history of racism and violence.

Yesterday, a nation came together with moments of silence, with blacked-out television stations and with a combined sense of devastating loss and glimmering hope, as the family of George Floyd held a memorial service for him. The police officers who apparently caused his death have been arrested and charged. His family is pleading for peace and change… But his family did not just consist of his relatives. It extended beyond blood to a worldwide community of solidarity. That includes the Grow The Dream team.

We mourn not only Mr. Floyd and some of the other members of the Black community who have lost their lives in a senseless and violent fashion. We mourn the fact that so many in the community are hurting; that it is impossible to imagine the fear and discrimination that continues to plague members of the Black community – old and young – some of whom fear to go to the corner store, ask someone to put their dog on a leash or, even, sleep in their beds at night, without thinking of the possibility that they could be a target of vitriol or violence. Those who, due to prejudice and discrimination, are not able to have the opportunities in their lives to which they are entitled.

The crisis of systemic racism in America is something that demands action and attention from all of us. We stand with those who have suffered, directly or indirectly. And we ask for transformative and peaceful solutions that will affirm equality. So that those in the Black and Brown communities can live and raise their families with the peace, safety, opportunities and joys afforded to everyone under the laws of our nation and of God. To ensure that they are afforded the promise of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” without fear.

This is not a partisan problem – it is a human crisis that demands unity and solidarity.

We must enact change. We must show the haters that love and compassion will always prevail, and that their violence and hatred and bigotry will not be tolerated. Enough is Enough. We must stand together.

… or is it months?

You don’t know what day it is. Your idea of walking to work is taking the steps to get from your bedroom to your office or living room. Your roots are showing, the walls are closing in … yes, you are suffering from CoronaBrain.

But, thankfully, you are physically healthy as the guidelines for staying at home change daily … and you want to be careful to stay that way.

Please note, we are not at all taking the devastating impact of the Coronavirus lightly. As of the date of this writing, over a million Americans have been diagnosed with this deadly disease. And we have lost nearly 60,000 loved ones — most of whom have not been able to have their family members with them during their last moments.

Worldwide, the toll is unspeakable — over 3 million citizens of Earth have been diagnosed as positive, with nearly a quarter of a million lost. And these are just documented cases. While the odds are excellent for recovery and survival, these numbers are, nonetheless, frightening and tragic.

Thankfully, however, since most of us are adhering to the rules of social distancing, are staying home and are listening to the scientists, we are staying safe.

And we are facing the quandary of how to stay sane while at home.

Some of us are home alone, others with families. Some have children who have had to be home-schooled, others have pets who seem to be the only creatures actually enjoying this pandemic … after all, they love having us home all the time. But how can you stay sane? We have already talked about how to keep your business’s momentum going … but how about YOU?

It Isn’t Forever!

First and foremost, remember that this is temporary!

Maybe it feels like forever, but in the overall scheme of life, a couple of months is just a drop in the bucket. We may have to wean our way back to what we may call “normal,” and that might include some not so normal behaviors for a while (like continued social distancing). But we will get through this! The sacrifice of our listening will be rewarded … and in the meantime, nature cleanses the skies from the auto pollutants, making views of the mountains or horizons or just sunsets clearer.

Be Grateful!

Instead of complaining about being inside, be grateful for the time you can spend with loved ones, whether in person if you are really lucky, or through virtual visits.

Think about creating a gratitude jar, either for yourself or for your children. Gratitude keeps our jars half-full, or makes them refillable. A gratitude jar is an easy thing to make. You can use a template or create your own. And the best thing to do is set a time of day to work on it … say before dinner, or before bed … or, if you have had your coffee, first thing in the morning to get your day going.

Meditate!

OK, so you don’t have to do Yoga or stand on your head … but there are a ton of free apps that can help you with breathing and mindfulness … And even the most jaded of us can benefit from some true quiet time. Insight Timer and Calm are two that come to mind, but there are plenty of other meditation apps out there for your style or frame of mind.

Discover!

Maybe there is a special series on TV or streaming that will engage you and the family. Maybe there is a craft you always wanted to try. This isn’t just the time to spring clean or do laundry … and besides, we all know that we won’t get either done anyway. So why not use the time to do something. Try something or learn something you have been putting off for so long?

Maintain a Sense of Humor!

But remember … whether you have visited the multitude of free museums, shows, concerts or classes that are being offered during this difficult time, the best medicine for mental health is a sense of humor!

Reader’s Digest had it right for all those years! And so did the Bible – Proverbs 17:22 says “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.” (New Living Translation)

So, instead of complaining about grey roots, remind yourself that you are still a better person than Cruella DeVil (and you look better, too!) Keep an eye on social media for the amazing amount of hysterical memes out there that are keeping us focused on what a truly funny species we belong to. Keep a healthy smile as you wonder why a tattoo parlor or tanning salon is considered “essential“.

And remember what your grandmother told you about how many more muscles it takes to frown than to smile. The Grow the Dream team is doing it’s best to keep the smiles, the fun, the discovery and the support there for all of you.

At the end of the day (which may have seemed unbelievably long) – we can promise you: We will get through this. We will hug one another and celebrate and go back to the parks and the beaches. And we will remember this period in history as one during which we were able to stay sane in what seemed to be an insane world.

These are unprecedented times. Unlike the often short-term preparations for projected bad weather, unlike the “light at the end of the seasonal tunnel” for the normal flu season, this Coronavirus, or COVID-19, has America, and the world, facing weeks, if not months, of worry.

Not only are we worried about the virus itself, and its impact on the health of our friends and families, the economy is in dire straits. People are being advised to stay home. Schools are shut down. Hospitals are being stretched to their limits. Delivery drivers and truckers are moving at warp speed to help get you and your local grocery stores what you need. And we all have to work together to get through this.

But, in the meantime, there are things you can do…some of which might cost you a little, some of which are free… all of which will make an impact.

Services and businesses are hurting

While we all know, personally, the economic impact of our jobs being put on hold, of our inability to find products we have usually taken for granted, the entire world we are accustomed to has been, in effect, furloughed. Restaurants are being asked to be take-out or drive-through only. Malls and shops are closed. Broadway has gone dark, and local arts venues, museums, book stores, concert halls and the like have closed their doors for the next weeks…or months.

Think of the “trickle down” effect of cancelled weddings, events, meetings on the service industries and local businesses. Your local florist may realize the majority of annual sales from weddings. That restaurant you love so much may have had to cancel graduation parties. This pan-demic has created pan-ic for survival.

OK – so how can you help, you ask?

As we said before, some of these ideas cost nothing other than a few minutes of your time. A few ideas involve money you have already spent. And even small donations will help with the others.

Free?

• Take a few minutes to write reviews of your favorite small or local businesses on their Facebook or Instagram pages, TripAdvisor, Yelp! or Google Review. Let people know you have done it, so when businesses can open again, they will have had positive reviews to boost clients/customers.
• Let your neighbors know that the local pizzeria is offering free meals to kids out of school, or that your local pharmacy is offering free delivery of medications to the home-bound. Maybe that lady who was going to alter your dress for the now-cancelled gala is sewing masks for healthcare providers. If you know one of your local businesses is doing something to help the community during this difficult time, spread the word.
• If you happen to be a small business owner or entrepreneur, spread the word through your own social media marketing and your blog to let the community know what you can do to help. Offer consolation, a cheery note, a FaceTime or Skype visit with a favorite client…maybe even a “post-virus discount” on your services, if you can, for “when we are all over this thing”.

Already Spent the Money?

So, let’s say you already bought tickets to the opera or the theater and the venue has been forced to close. Remember that most arts organizations rely on ticket sales for a huge percentage of their operating revenues.

Government and foundation funding were already cutting back. And now, with the deterioration of the stock market and the probable shortage of donor funding for the foreseeable future…arts venues being put into the position of issuing refunds to ticket-holders can drastically and negatively impact the venue’s ability to re-open their doors when this is over. So consider donating your tickets back to them and not requesting a refund…it might make a huge difference later.

Spend a little – get a lot?

Think about it. Museums are offering online tours of their galleries. Opera houses and theaters are streaming performances. There are people reading books aloud online. Schools are offering free classes. How about donating? Think about the cost of that ticket to the museum or to the show.

If you can, send a donation to the businesses that are working so hard to keep you and your families entertained, occupied or educated while you are forced to stay home. Don’t take them for granted. They are trying to make your lives better during this difficult time…see how you can pay it back, or pay it forward with whatever resources you can muster up. It could make a huge difference later!

On behalf of all of us on the Grow the Dream team – stay safe, stay healthy and…stay calm. We will all get through this. It may take weeks or months, but history has proven that when things are bleak, there is light…that when times are tough, there is hope. And by helping one another, by going that extra mile, we will prove once again (even with social distancing) that we are at our best when things seem to be at their worst.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
• 16 ounces white chocolate chips
• 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
• 3/4 cup crushed candy cane

Directions:

1. Place the semisweet chocolate chips in a medium bowl and microwave for 30 second intervals until melted. Stir until smooth
2. Spread the chocolate into a roughly 9″ x 13″ rectangular pan on a piece of parchment paper. Place in the fridge for 15 minutes to set
3. Place the white chocolate chips in a medium bowl and microwave for 30 second intervals until melted. Add the peppermint extract and stir until smooth
4. Spread the white chocolate over the semisweet chocolate layer. Top with crushed candy canes. Let harden in fridge for about 20 minutes, then break into pieces and serve.

The Meaning of the Season

This week and next we will be celebrating the end of 2019 and the beginning of 2020! And next year we get an extra day – it’s Leap Year! As we all pause to reflect the past twelve months and make resolutions for the coming twelve, we should remember that the week at hand represents hope and new beginnings. Regardless of what happened in 2019, 2020 represents a fresh start.

Whether it is the Star over Bethlehem, the Menorah lamp that stayed bright for eight days, the tradition of the harvest and unity or just time spent with friends and family, this is the time of year that brings light and joy to multitudes around the world. For some, it is a difficult time, whether it be due to health issues, financial difficulties, the loss of loved ones or just being alone. We hold you in our hearts and prayers, and hope that you find peace and joy.

All of us at Grow the Dream wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year. May love and peace surround you and those you love this holiday season and may the coming year bring you health, prosperity and much happiness.

Please remember that Thanksgiving is not just a time for 2 for 1 deals on socks, or for leaving the table before that second slice of pie or cup of coffee in order to catch those early bird Black Friday specials. Keep those who have to work on Thanksgiving in your hearts, be they first responders, doctors, nurses or members of the military. If you must shop, be respectful and kind to retail workers – they would rather be home celebrating the day as well.

We are thankful for all of you – our existing clients, our clients-yet-to-be, past clients, and the business associates and friends who have all helped us become the Grow the Dream team!

On behalf of all of us, have a blessed Thanksgiving. For those of you who are traveling, please be safe. And know that we cherish every one of you.