Welcome to 2020
2020 is coming at us hard, preparing us for a decade like no other we’ve experienced. I know it’s hard and I know a lot of you are probably hurting, whether it be physically, spiritually, or mentally. It’s okay, I understand, and this too shall pass. You’re probably tired of hearing that and I promise not to drone on about all the things you’ve been hearing for weeks on end.
Quickly, though, COVID-19 (Coronavirus) has showed us a fair amount of challenges. It’s weird and sad and scary and probably intensely exaggerated by media. What do you do, though, when the world is literally calling for you to spend some time away from people? I don’t know about you, but for a while now, I could consistently see memes floating around social media saying, “It’s too people-y out there,” “I wish I didn’t have to go to work today,” “I want to spend all day at home in my pajamas watching Netflix and snacking.” I’m didn’t really get it. I like people, especially people I like. I didn’t understand.
My kids school from home and I work from home. We are used to being at home. On an average day, I miss people. But, we’re currently on day 4 of social distancing and staying at home and I’ve never wanted to leave my house more. We love our home, we have tons to do here, yet being told we shouldn’t leave has made us antsy. We are on edge, we want to eat all of the groceries. If we eat all of the groceries, we’re going to need more of the non-existent toilet paper. We’re struggling, we’re frustrated, and we’re trying to remember that we really do love each other.
I say that to say this- You are not alone. There are people out there who don’t like the people-y world that are wanting to get out, breathe in the overpopulated air, and touch something that is not their personal belongings. Something as simple as grocery shopping in a normally stocked store is being craved by the masses.
Isolation can make us feel like we’re in a desperate place. Being surrounded physically and mentally by the unknown is exhausting. There’s an upside, though. We live in a time where we can social distance, but still be together. Yes, social media has it’s downfalls, without question. That’s a whole other topic. Right now, it’s time to recognize it’s benefits. FaceTime, Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Skype - these are all ways we can help each other get through that feeling of isolation. I know it’s hard. I know it’s not the same, but it is at least something. I urge you to start a group chat with your friends, even if it’s just a simple video call. Set the phone on the mantle and turn the music up and dance it out. Discover what Snapchat filters are available and start a contest with your friends to see who can take the funniest selfie. Make a list on Instagram and race to see who can find those items the fastest in their own house. If you’re lucky enough to have good weather, go for a walk. Choreograph the newest TikTok dance. Go viral (ha!).
I don’t know. I sure don’t have all of the answers. I just wanted to reach out because I know this is a tough time for many people. Introverted or extroverted, no one wants to be told they can’t be with others. I am here. At home. With you. Be cautious, be kind, and be compassionate.
Here’s a few ideas to get the creative thinking juices flowing:
Dance Conference - each virtual attendee gets to pick a song and make a playlist to dance together with #CoronaDanceParty2020
Virtual Talent Show - invite a third party judge, give yourself unique prizes, either something you have around the house, snail mail each other certificates, etc. #PublicTalentShow2020
Group Chat Scavenger Hunt (in your own home) - Each person makes a list of 10 items, use a random generator to select 3 items from each persons list, each person has to take a picture of the found item in their home, finalize the list, set a start time and go! #SocialScavHunt2020
Online Scavenger Hunt - Each person makes a list of 10 items that would be difficult to find on the internet (A red toenail with white flowers, a black lipstick with glitter eyeshadow, Alien in Florida clipart, etc.), use a random generator to select 3 items from each persons list, each person must share all collected pieces in the chat to win, set a start time and go! #ScavengetheWeb2020
Funniest Selfie Contest - You don’t just have to share it in the group chat, you have to upload it to social media, too. Or, make it public and invite people to join you. #SyncedSelfieContest2020
Makeup Contest - set the guidelines (colors, tools, occasion, etc), try to get people with different styles to join, set the timer, post a final picture with the timer dings, invite the social media outlet of your choice to be the judge #MindtheMakeup2020
Choreograph a new Viral TikTok Dance - Pick a song with a group of friends, find the 8 count, give each person 4 counts to choreograph, don’t share the moves until everyone is ready to throw them together, assign a leader to video themselves doing all moves together, then share with the group, each make a video of the entire dance and share - challenge others to give it a try! #QuarantineChoreo2020
Wash your sheets, wipe the baseboards, organize the linen closet, for God’s sake, dust the ceiling fans? (I know this isn’t a fun one, but what a perfect time to do it! Take your frustrations out on the dirt and germs!)
Finish a project (don’t we all have one hanging over our heads?)
Write a letter. Like actually write it with a pen and paper and stuff. Heck, write 5 - Choose 1 family member that just loves to get mail, 2 family members you haven’t talked to in a hundred years, and pick 2 random locations (nursing homes, etc) to send a random letter!
Make a bucket list of things you want to do before 2021
Make a vision board for the rest of 2020 - what do you want to see in the rest of your year? Make it digital and share (#PerceptionofReality2020Vision) OR cut up old magazines, flyers, coupons and newspapers, etc to make a physical board to hang on your wall!
Do a chore with visually immediate results to quickly lift your mood! (Mow, sweep, mop, vacuum, dishes, etc)
Practice learning a new language with a household member. Look up ways to ask questions and then ways to answer them. (Alternate asking and answering, keep the questions entertaining, make scenarios where you would use the question to keep it interesting!)
Learn sign language, set a goal of signing your favorite song before we get “out”.
Tag me, I’ll participate in as many as I can! (Facebook @rebelmrs @mrsjenbruce @cuethechaos, Instagram: @realjenbruce, TikTok: @mrsjenbruce, Twitter: @cuethechaoslife) *Please note, I don’t Twitter much, I actually had to look up my username, but I’ll get notifications if you tag me.