Our world has changed so much in the past two months in ways we never imagined. I won’t repeat the news here, because that’s already being done by plenty of others.
However, as trying as it can be staying at home, some interesting happenings are going on that I’ll blame on American ingenuity or just getting ‘er done! After all, Americans are masters at stepping up and doing what needs to be done.
When I say this, I think of the things I am now doing that I haven’t done for years — or have never done — such as making sourdough bread and sewing face masks. I know some of you know what I’m talking about because I’ve seen some of the kids, a couple of brave husbands and even a “selfie” haircut on social media. It doesn’t matter how talented some of us are… or not. It just needed to be done.
Maybe you’ve noticed this do-it-yourself trend more, too. Maybe when you made one of your “essential trips” to the grocery to find not only all the bread gone, but all the flour and yeast, too. Suddenly, everyone is a baker. A whole new generation of bread makers is on the rise. The same with making laundry detergent. Yes, this is possible. But it seems that grandma shared her old-fashioned know how and recipe with everyone because the “essential” ingredients are sold out at the store and online. There’s not even a back-order option. You might ask yourself who in the world makes laundry soap? Well, from the look of things, a lot of people who don’t advertise their dirty laundry secret.
Even the hubs is getting more into the can-do spirit by ordering a set of hair clippers. It has been well established that I seriously lack in this area, so I asked him how he was going to cut the hair on the back of his own head. He said he couldn’t just cut me loose on his hair without some training. Training? He said there’s a good YouTube video I have to watch first. Hmmm? He must really be desperate.
But Americans with all our creativity and resourcefulness are stepping up to make all kinds of good things happen. We are not only concerned about taking care of our families and ourselves, but about others in our communities, especially those on the front lines: health-care workers, first-responders, supply chain workers, teachers, all those working from home and mail delivery workers to name only a few.
There are many companies, businesses, faith communities and individuals assisting in this by rethinking delivery and making items to help meet the needs where there are critical shortages. Some in Indiana doing this range from laboratories working to develop new tests to determine who has the virus, automotive plants partnering to make ventilators and others from leather shops, quilt shops and home sewers to make masks to meet the critical need among hospital workers.
We not only can step up to make things happen, but we are doing this! We are all contributing to this effort whether we are staying put, practicing social distancing for essential errands only, being more patient and kind to others, making sure our children complete their e-learning or just calling to check on someone else. There are so many ways that each one of us is doing our part.
While there are so many things we can’t wait to do until this is all over, there are new habits emerging that we just might keep when we get back to our new normal. Maybe you’re taking more walks with your family and waving and calling out to your neighbors. Maybe you have re-found the pleasures of having family meals together. Maybe you have made someone’s day by just calling and chatting with them. I know my granddaughter brightened up our day with a recent FaceTime call. Plus, I like to think that maybe she was just a little impressed that I know how to FaceTime.
When this is all over, though, I hope we will remember this as a time when we were able to slow down, reprioritize what really matters, reconnect with others and possibly ourselves; that we do more things that bring more joy and value to our lives and others. I am also hopeful that as a society we will keep the parts that have made us more accepting, united, caring and more concerned about the well-being of others in our communities and our world. It is not all about us, and it and never was.
If you would like to share with me a newfound skill during your time at home, please contact me at the address below.
Teresa Holland is a writer, photographer, quilter, and advanced-practice registered nurse. You may write to her at [email protected].
