Crisis Response Team

Did you realize you are on a crisis response team?

I’ll get back to that soon.

These times are unlike anything many of us have ever seen. Even if a person has experienced something like it, the way information is spread almost instantly these days, I think that makes this event different. No matter our age, our circumstance, our religion, or our work, we are all on Team: Human. We are. Truly. That said, we have a responsibility (bad word for some, I know) to respond accordingly. I get it; I really do. It’s not always my favorite word. That doesn’t negate the fact it is true.

We have seen lots of responses so far. Situations such as these tend to drive up an individual’s anxiety, fear, paranoia, and/or frustration levels among others. I’ve seen absolutely haphazardness and carelessness. Or, one could look at it another way: selfishness. For many colleges around the United States, for example, March represents a time for celebrating rest and renewal by taking a break from school during spring break. I have seen videos of people voicing their indifference (polite word) about the impact of this illness and disgust that cities were shutting down bars and beaches, disrupting their good times.

Unfortunately, that line of thinking only serves self and does its part to perpetuate this illness. It is frankly narrow-minded and careless. Sure, there are people who may not care personally about the illness (which is fine), but that kind of apathy could certainly impact others (which isn’t). Let’s say, a person like that acquires the illness. Their symptoms and overall health impact may be minimal, which is great! But, what about the people who became infected because of their carelessness? What about the elderly? What about those immunocompromised? These are things we have to take into consideration.

In times like these, we have a responsibility. So, what can we do?

First, to quote one of my favorite movies ever, we can take baby steps (seriously watch What About Bob?) toward positivity, accountability, and kindness.

Maybe, you’re an introvert like me and don’t honestly mind the remote work. Or, maybe you love being around people, and this is super challenging. Perhaps, though, you encounter different challenges while working from home.

Rather than get discouraged, try to find the positives. The glass half full/half empty debate comes to mind. Really, while that’s a matter of perspective, I think there are more important things to realize. We can be grateful we have a glass. We can be especially grateful if we have a glass with something in it. The challenge occurs when we’re struggling, it’s hard to be grateful. Use your support system to find your way back to gratitude. If you have a people you love and care about, shelter, food, and toilet paper (yes, I went there!), consider yourself wealthy and be grateful. Maybe you can learn a skill, read a book, start a craft, or create something spectacular. One thing that helps me is prayer. It helps me stay grounded; prayer helps me focus on Jesus and others. If I’m focused on others, I’m not focused on myself, what’s wrong, what I lack, or how I’m not getting my way. Find your way to gratitude.

Next, we can be accountable. This may be another bad word for some. QBQ challenges us to ask different questions to ourselves rather than blame others and be victims. If you are like me and find the victim mindset easy mode at times, that’s a good time to figure out a different way of doing things, a different way of thinking. One way to start is recognizing we all have a responsibility—no matter how big or small. We all can play a part. Don’t wait for others to fix something in which you see a solution. Instead of blaming others, ask yourself what you can do differently. Think of it and then do it.

Finally, let’s focus on being kind. We tend to find what we’re looking for—good, bad, or ugly (remember the glass concepts). While some people may not be concerned, encourage them to be concerned for their neighbor. We can help others. We can donate if possible (check out smile.amazon.com for an easy way to make donations that doesn’t hurt anything). When shopping, don’t take all of the hand sanitizer or toilet paper. Get what you need. Check on people. Call, text, video chat, email, or—get this—interact on social media. Exhibit a good sense of humor. Right now, simply being a good citizen is a welcome thing. Recently, my dad told me a person paid for his vitamins recently after the people let him in front of them. Kindness is definitely out there! Not only look for it, but also be a part of it.

Folks, these are unprecedented times. Crises can bring out the best in us. What is happening now is unlike anything most of us have ever experienced. Share good news, fun videos, good music, or even better, conversation. Consider it a challenge to stay connected to your loved ones. Yes, it’s difficult and different, but it’s not impossible. Be yourself, sure. But, let’s focus on being positive, being accountable (watch the victim mindset), and being kind. Crises are opportunities to show love and not exploit. If you’re typically wired to be self-focused first, pay attention and consider those around you. Look for the good. Ask yourself different questions. Find your part to play. Right now, we are one race (human) on one team (crisis response). Together, we can get through this crisis and be better than ever before.

#babysteps #positivity #accountability #kindness #team #crisis #crisisresponse #humanrace #unity #prayer #Jesus