We are going through an “unprecedented” time. Sick of hearing that word yet? I know I am. Thus, I looked up the definition. This is what it says:
“Never done or known before.”
THAT SUMS IT UP. Coronavirus is causing hardship and pain for a lot of people. We are all doing things we’ve never done or known before. We are working from home, in solitary confinement. Or maybe working with children climbing on our laps, grumpy teenagers or college aged kids trying to figure out online classes, and elementary school kids wondering why they can’t see friends. We are wondering where the next toilet paper roll is going to come from! We may be baking or trying to play that old ukulele! We may also be crying, drinking, and watching more TV than usual. For many of us, it’s all of the above and more. BUT, unprecedented times call for unprecedented optimism.
Here are some of the bright or touching spots I’ve experienced over the past 3 weeks that have helped me think optimistically:
- My kids decorated sidewalks with positive chalk messages and our windows with paper hearts for the neighbors. Their true kindness is showing through.
- My husband pretends to be a different substitute teacher to our kids every day just to make them smile.
- Our How To Concerts team member Jake gets the award for most digital performances watched. We love his daily updates of “what’s online this week.” Stay tuned, he’s going to start sharing these with you, too.
- Our clients have shown us unbelievable support as we lead them through unknown territory. They listen to our advice, do what’s right with us, and remain optimistic and hopeful through it
all. I am impressed by our clients daily, and I have never been so grateful and appreciative for our close client relationships. I’ve cried of gratitude more than once. - I’ve seen teachers at local schools organizing parades past their students’ houses to show their support and love for their students.
- I’ve watched campus organizations do whatever they can to support their students who are now thrust into online-only classes and isolation.
- Friendships with colleagues facing the same struggles have never been stronger.
- As people post more on social media, I’ve gotten to see a friend make an amazing recipe, parents organizing socially distanced neighborhood birthday parties for kids, artists performing for virtual tips, restaurants getting creative to offer safe take-out orders, and strangers posting random acts of kindness or showing their appreciation for health care and essential workers.
- Companies like Disney and others releasing movies for at-home streaming so my children have something new to watch. (And whatever lovely person released Tiger King – I think all of us agree
that was the right thing to do as well.) - THE MEMES – ALL THE MEMES! I am SO HERE FOR IT! My love language is laughter, and y’all are providing the best medicine for me!
I hope you’ve seen these too and also had your own unique bright spots.
We will get through this. Everything is temporary. There will be loss, and the economy may be shattered, but someday we’ll be on the other side of it, and I think we will all be a bit kinder. Without salons and without childcare I really don’t know what I’ll look like physically on the other side of this, but I do know this – my soul will be stronger, more resilient, and even more creative. And so will yours. Please join me in having unprecedented optimism. Even between the tears, the loss, and the fear. Because unprecedented times call for unprecedented optimism. We got this!
Jolene Chevalier
Founder & Talent Buyer | How To Concerts
Jolene has been a middle buyer for over a decade, helping colleges and others with their concerts, comedians, and speakers. (And, yes, she is named after the Dolly Parton song.) She would love to talk with you about helping to book, plan, and prepare for your event.
Jolene Chevalier
Founder & Talent Buyer | How To Concerts
Jolene has been a middle buyer for over a decade, helping colleges and others with their concerts, comedians, and speakers. (And, yes, she is named after the Dolly Parton song.) She would love to talk with you about helping to book, plan, and prepare for your event.
