Golden Rule Reminder

Every single person you know or encounter—on the road, on the internet, on the sidewalk, in your hallway—is under copious amounts of stress. Our routines have gone to shit. If we’re lucky, we’re juggling kids who are out of sorts while working from home. If we’re not lucky, we’re worrying about how we’re going to buy groceries. We’re worried about our loved ones who are high-risk. We’re worried about ourselves, high risk or not.

Whether you’re in the “we’re not doing enough” or the “the entire world is overreacting” camp, you should still be able to appreciate that everyone around you is experiencing some of the most stressful days of their lives. So be kind. Be empathetic. Extend some understanding. Hell, offer an encouraging word or two.

Years from now, when someone asks what you did during the COVID-19 pandemic, what will your response be? Will you be proud of sharing toilet paper with your elderly neighbor? Or will you feel sheepish for buying 5 bottles of hand sanitizer when you have no reason to be away from soap and water? Will you recollect how you created a new recipe out of pantry items so you minimized your trips to Kroger? Or will you explain how beautiful your flower beds were because you flooded Lowe’s to buy non-essential items?

I believe we are most true to ourselves when the chips are down, when things are tough. If you’re hoarding and passing time browsing stores, it seems you may have a propensity towards selfishness. If you’re helping others, overtipping carry-out attendants, sharing essential items, and waving at strangers you’re tapping into a more confident and capable self who appreciates the needs of others.

I urge you to consider your behavior and how it affects the people around you, loved ones and strangers alike. I suggest you embrace the golden rule and offer compassion in every interaction.

And if you need some cool gear to remind yourself, check out my friend Chris’ website Do Good. Be Kind.