Social Solidarity is our Strength.

First, deep breath in. Deep breathe out.

So much has changed in the world in such a short while. It is as if our world was going about its usual rotating and revolving business, and it suddenly got a cosmic jolt, and everything started to shake loose. The daily bits and bites that grounded us in our lives have shifted, dramatically. We are still trying to get our bearings after this dramatic and sudden jolt.

There is no going back to what was. I believe there will be a world that existed before Covid19, and one that exists afterwards. It will be the definitive time and event marker in the sand for our generation.

I’ll never forget the moment when the weight of this reality hit me. I grieved. It was early in the morning, the sun had not yet risen, and I felt the weight of it crushing me. I wept for the sudden loss of so much – income, work, appointments, events, travel plans, investments. The most guttural part was the sudden and acute awareness that I wouldn’t get to see my dad and siblings until this is over.

This is real. This is happening. To me. To us. To the world.

The brain can’t reconcile that level of sudden and overwhelming uncertainty.

Reconciliation of this magnitude takes time. Days, weeks, months. Everyone will reconcile it on their own terms. In their own way. In their own time.

But we are in this together. All of humanity.

As I sit today in the same place in my home where I sat just three short – but yet eternal – weeks ago and released that immense and deeply guttural grief into the void, I am filled with a new sense of hope and optimism. This helps to propel me forward.

Why this new sense of hope? Simply put, the level of social solidarity we are part of in this moment in our history is incredible.

Our country of Canada, 37.5 million people, is united in effort. Millions of people, regardless of political or economic stripe, are banning together with common and shared messages, ‘Stay home’, ‘Stay safe’, ‘We are in this together’.

Millions tune in daily to watch our Prime Minister. I am so grateful to live in a country where our decision-makers, experts, and influencers are working together during this unprecedented time. The extent of and quick mobilization of support is simply astounding.

As Canadians, our social solidarity is one of our greatest strengths. It is a deeply rooted value. We are in this together. People across our great nation, and around the world are showing us the best of humanity. Yes, we are all scared. For ourselves, our loved ones. For our communities, our world.

People are connecting.

It sounds ironic I know, but many people are choosing to reach out and connect to people they haven’t connected with, in a long time. We are all so fortunate to be in this time where social distancing is really a fancy word for physical distancing. We can still remain social while keeping our physical distance. In some ways, people have become more social than ever. Relationships are being re-defined and nurtured. Technologies and online tools such as; Zoom, Facetime, Facebook Messenger are keeping us connected. And they’re FREE. And easy to use. Friends and family are laughing, cooking, jamming out, gaming, reading, and baking together. It’s as if the switch of ‘no more excuses’ went off for people. The time is now. No more waiting. No more putting it off.

People are really funny.

Really funny. The creative and hilarious memes, tweets, social posts that have come across the airways are bringing laughter to our homes every day. People are creating and sharing humour in the best kind of way. I’m literally LOLing at least 20 times a day. What a gift.

People are inspiring.

Watching a shy and nervous 12-year boy sing his favourite song and then share it on a Facebook page of 180,000+ followers is deeply moving. It is safe to say this 12 year would never have had the courage or cause to do that before Covid19. Now he is part of something bigger. In that moment of raw vulnerability, he touched people in a deeply moving way. We were gifted with a front-row seat of his unforgettable (and potentially life-changing) moment. The walls that surround him are slowly breaking down and the mortar’s grip is relenting. There are countless examples of this. People sharing their talent with the world. All over the world. One little action inspired a movement.

People are learning.

All around me, people are using this time to finally ‘take the time’ to learn new things and try new things. Whether it is related to fitness, music, writing, cooking, baking, woodworking, etc. People are stretching new muscles (literally and figuratively) to fill their time. This abundance of learning is shaping and creating people. Stronger, better, smarter.

People are responding in genuine and authentic ways.

We are seeing people show up for each other in big ways with kindness and compassion in their hearts. They are doing what they can, when they can, where they can to help. Showing up in this new time requires genuineness and authenticity. If a person or business uses this time for their own advantage or economic gain, they will be called out for it. Under no uncertain terms, the public’s wrath will be dialled in and dialled on. Authenticity is an increasingly important metric for people. And that’s a really good thing.

People are embracing the stillness.

It’s quiet. Sometimes really quiet outside. It’s still. Thankfully, it is Springtime and the birds are back and sharing their soothing and happy music notes with us. They create such beautiful harmonies.

Cars are not lining the streets in neighbourhoods. People are not rushing and hurrying about.

The pause button has been pressed. It’s a time to reflect, and recharge.

Eventually, we will Reset and Restart. But for now, enjoy the stillness. Yes, it is under extraordinary circumstances, but give yourself permission to enjoy the stillness.

People are united in uncertainty.

There is so much uncertainty right now. Everything is evolving and changing so fast.

The reality is we have a highly contagious virus that is wreaking havoc on our world. And it’s not the scene out of a fictional movie. It’s heartbreaking and gut-wrenching to see the number of people affected day after day.

Everyone is affected. No one is untouched from this in some way. The deep sense of loss and uncertainty is felt around the globe. We are united in this. We each share this collective burden. We are not alone.

We are surrounded by Heroes.

Real everyday heroes. Our Doctors and Nurses have always held a hero status, as they are the people who fix us when we are broken. Millions around the world are saying prayers for them to be safe, as they enter the battle daily. We know they will be forever changed from this health crisis, and we all owe them a debt of gratitude beyond anything we could ever express or measure.

Now we have a whole new group of heroes to add to that growing list. These heroes walk among us every day, often unnoticed. Until now. They are our frontline staff of grocery and drug stores, gas station attendants, bus drivers, truckers, etc. We owe them a debt of gratitude for continuing to step forward and serve in a time of great uncertainty.

People are grateful.

We are united in gratitude. Signs of gratitude are shared across the globe. Communities are coming together at a designated time each day to clap and shout words of gratitude from their patios and doorsteps. It is a beautiful show of solidarity on full display.

People are showing gratitude for our loved ones, and our communities.

Gratitude for our country, and the people who serve.

Yes, it is a time of great uncertainty. People are scared, and there is significant and immeasurable loss.

Take the time you need to grieve what is. But also have comfort in being part of the greatest social solidarity movement of our generation.

We are in this together.

Stay well, stay safe, and stay awesome.

With gratitude,

Nicole Osmond

Customer Success Coach

As a Customer Success Coach and 3 X business owner, I am living my passion and helping companies succeed by cultivating a customer committed mindset.

A Writer with Heart – I weave words together to stimulate, elevate, and motivate. My blog is my canvas to share my ‘experience nuggets’ with you! Thanks for stopping by! With gratitude, always – Nicole