Officially on hold, held virtually, or cancelled: Meeting in person, gathering for extended family meals, celebrating graduations and weddings and memorials, concerts, shows, movies, events, fun-runs and marathons, book clubs, dinner parties, and parties of any kind. This is the time of COVID.
However, don’t despair! There are ways to stay connected. Human connection is more important now than ever to keep our spirits lifted, to ensure mental and physical health of friends and loved ones, and to remember our humanity.
The more alone time we spend, the easier it is to get worked up, feel hurt and/or alone. The more individual time people spend without human contact, without human face-to-face interactions, the easier it is for hate to grow, hurt to be administered, and society divisions to increase.
We are human. We need human connection. Yes, whether we are introverts or extroverts, we need connection that causes us to feel valued and appreciated, as well as remembered and cared for.
Connection during COVID comes in many forms all over the world. Perhaps these can continue into our distant futures too.
- Social media messages, videos, mini-concerts, planned greeting and singing events.
- Video-chats on many platforms to stay connected to family and friends, book clubs, and coffee klatch groups.
- Video meetings for teams, workgroups, and entire companies.
- Google Hangouts for students and teachers.
- Watch-together parties via planned social media dates.
- Happy Hours via a video connection.
- Medical and counseling appointments are being held virtually. Some with quite high success. Virtual appointments will likely become a part of routine medical care for all of us.
It’s not the same as in-person. However, thank goodness for the technologies we have that are keeping us connected at all. Let’s remember old technologies too.
- Phone calls. Remember, where you don’t see the person, you just hear their voice!?
- Letter Writing. Perhaps the oldest technology of all, letter writing is connection. Letter writing can maintain relationships, grow friendships, and provide uplift to those feeling alone. Letters are often kept for future reading and inspiration. Letters tucked in cards can provide visual cheer as well as our words. Cards with favorite images, clever sayings, and sincere messages create connection too. Pick up a pen, pull out a card, write a note. Seal the letter with a damp sponge or slightly wet cloth (NOT your tongue). Apply postage and send your letter!
NestingCards grew out of post-2016 recognition that friends and family members were telling stories about growing distant from each other because of large differences in political opinion. NestingCards grew out of concern for human well-being and out of belief that individual actions can create hope, connection, safety, and a sense of home. Our NestMaker artists extend greetings from their homes and studios via their messages and their work. Each artist has created images and objects that are being gifted for birthdays, mailed for good cheer and uplift, and custom created for homes across the country.
As individuals the choices we make can connect or disconnect us, can inspire or disenfranchise others, and can lead to well-being or to harm. At NestingCards.com, we are consciously choosing joy, uplift, inspiration and connection!
What are you choosing?
What connections are you nurturing?
Nesting is about the objects and experiences that create a sense of home. Without home, it is difficult to maintain health, find joy, or to be productive. Enjoy the Nesting series of blogs on your search for and creation of a deep sense of home. Also, enjoy browsing NestingCards.com for fun, for gifts, and for joy-spreading possibilities. ~ Jana
Jana Kemp
