I don’t know about you, but I have definitely ramped up my coping strategies during this global coronavirus pandemic. Apparently my subconscious has been trying to recreate the comfort and security of my childhood. For example, I had ooey-gooey grilled cheese and creamy tomato soup for dinner tonight. As accompaniment, I played Sesame Street music on Spotify in the background (for our toddler, of course, *ahem*). And I lit a Walt Disney World-themed candle nearby. If I could have also crawled up onto my grandmother’s violet-scented lap, my heart would have been three years old again. Sadly, I can’t make all of you tomato soup and grilled cheese, but I can offer you some comfort food for thought in unsure times.
If I think way, way back to my untroubled childhood, I remember a few television shows that defined the world for me. A world where I was spared the harsh realities of things like pandemics and quarantines. Let’s look at them and see what comfort food for thought they may have to offer us NOW in the middle of our global crisis.
#1. Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood (1968-2001).
“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.’ To this day, especially in times of ‘disaster’, I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers – so many caring people in this world.” ~ Mister Rogers
There are still so many helpers – so many caring people in the world. In other words, everyone is not an “only out for themselves”, toilet paper hoarding jackass. This is key for us to remember. Empty barrels superficially steal our time and attention, but they are the (albeit loud) minority. Have hope that there is basic goodness alive in humankind as a whole.
#2. Sesame Street (1969 – present)/ The Muppet Show (1976-1981).
“I’ve always tried to present a positive view of the world in my work. It’s so much easier to be negative and cynical and predict doom for the world than it is to try and figure out how to make things better. We have an obligation to do the latter.” ~ Jim Henson
It is our obligation to try and figure out how to make things better. And humankind is at its finest when we band together for a common cause against a common enemy. We may not be on the front lines of developing a vaccine, but we certainly can make our corner of the world a little better, right?
For instance, are we venturing out to the grocery store madness later today? We could purchase extra non-perishables for a local food pantry, or we could offer to pick something up for a neighbor. Maybe we could show support for a locally-owned shop or restaurant (buy a gift card for later if you are temporarily avoiding all public contact beyond just social distancing). Know someone working in healthcare or education? Or even worse right now – the grocery industry? Send them an encouraging text or a message.
There are lots of practical ways we can make things a little better. In other words, an outward focus beats wallowing in our isolated inward focus any day. We could even share some comfort food for thought of our own in these unsure times. Above all, let’s remember to have some extra patience and grace for those around us.
#3. The Wonderful World of Disney (1969-1979)
“All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me… You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.” ~ Walt Disney
Let’s be for real. Coronavirus is more than a kick in the teeth. It is a kick in the teeth, a swift uppercut to the chin, a cross punch square in the face, and a reverse round house to the proverbial nuts. All at the same time. Ouch.
I’m excited to see the end of this story.
But once this fight is over and the dust begins to settle, you know what? I am actually excited to see what humankind does with itself as a result. Will we be less apt to overload our schedules in favor of more time connecting with friends and family? Maybe constant extra-curriculars for kids (and adults) are draining on a family. Will we have new creative ways of doing our jobs instead of mindlessly running the same rat race day in and day out? Like professionally hitting the reset button! Will we be more respectful of how our own health choices impact our community as a whole? Cover your cough, wash your hands, and stay home if you are sick. Please, and thank you.
I like to think we will rise out of this stronger, wiser and more cohesive. Time will tell, I suppose. Until then, we’ve got some comfort food for thought in these unsure times. First, look for the helpers. Secondly, try and figure out how to make things better. Thirdly, believe that our struggles will make us stronger.
P.S. I’ve got canned tomato soup in my pantry and plenty of streaming episodes of Sesame Street if you want to stop by and watch from the window. Just bring your own roll of toilet paper, okay?
