How are you doing today? I mean really, how are you? Because let’s be real, everyone’s in not a great place right now. People are losing their jobs, worried about getting sick. I’m a little scared to even go to the grocery store, to be honest. And I see this whole thing getting worse before it gets better.
So I’ll ask again, how are you? What do you need to get through this month, this week, today?
We’re doing okay at my house. My day job is allowing me to work from home. I don’t share where I work, but I will say the field I’m in is super busy right now. So I’m working overtime. While also preparing for the launch of my next book.
But the last thing you’ll hear me do right now is complain. There are too many people out of work today who had no idea this was coming last week. I am beyond thankful that I’m not one of them.
This emergency is showing us all what we’re made of. There have been so many people working for good in the face of this that it’s truly inspiring. People have donated time, money and creative energy to help people stuck at home. Today I’m collecting some of the wonderful offers people I love online are providing to help out in these dark times. As I learn about new offers, I’ll update this list. And if you know of anyone helping out, please feel free to put links in the comments below.
The Broke Millennial has a collection of links for people in need to get food and support.
Smashwords authors, like myself, are putting our books on deep discount or for free. All of my books are free on Smashwords.
Juju in Pittsburgh is offering free tarot readings for small business owners impacted by Covid-19.
Doordash is offering free delivery if you order from local restaurants.
Sephora andUlta are waiving all their shipping costs.
Target is providing special times for people in higher-risk categories to shop. So is Giant Eagle if you live in Western PA.
Now is when we need to stick together. Not as a nation, not as a community, but as a whole human race. We need to reach out to each other (metaphorically) and make sure we’re doing okay. I know it’s scary right now, and it feels like there’s nothing we can do.
But there is so much we can do! Start with simple things like staying home as much you can. Wash your hands frequently and keep your hands off your face.
Do not, and I cannot emphasize this enough, buy and wear face masks if you are not sick. Health professionals can’t get them now and it’s an issue. (Though Kudos to Harbor Freight, who donated every single mask they had to hospitals.)
Please do not hoard things. Buy what you need, leave some for others. Do not be the asshole reselling tp for a profit.
Don’t fall for any scams. There are no cures for this, and no vaccine yet. 
Beyond all that, be an inspiration if you can. Put positive messages out on social media. Share a picture of yourself working from home with your pet or kids. If you’re a content creator, put out more content now if you can.
If you can. Don’t ever forget that you need to take care of yourself first. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take a bubble bath, read a book, Facetime your friends. Take care of yourself, so that you can take care of others.
I do want to hear from you. Let me know how you’re doing in the comments, on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. We’re going to get through this together or not at all.
I just want to leave you with this quote from Scottish Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Life shouldn’t feel normal just now. So if your life still feels entirely normal, ask yourself if you are doing the right things. Or if instead, you might be putting yourself and others at unnecessary risk.
Paper Beats World 
I love how you ended this post! If you nothing has changed in your day to day…are you doing your part? Nice and subtle. 👍🏾
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Yes, I agree, the world has changed so much in the past month. Who would have thought that when we welcomed the New Year that in March this is what we would be facing. All we can do is listen to those in authority, don’t panic buy and as you said also find time to take care of yourself. ALso, I saw a video of Oprah recently and she was talking about using this time to try and accomplish some of the things you always can’t find time to do, like write a book or start or blog for example. Prayers for all those who are infected, have family or friends who are infected or have died and for all health care workers across the world.
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