Oh my, 2020 seems to be on a roll, but like not a roll of toilet paper since they are out of all of those. It's time to shake off all the selfishness we've adapted through modern technology and turn technology to being a fluid social connection rather than a crutch. We have to be kind and considerate of others by staying isolated. While there was 0 deaths yesterday and 1 today in Illinois (see LINK for current count for your state), I want to do all I can from risking that number going up. So many people are vulnerable right now, and we have to put them first. Some people don't have the luxury of getting groceries sent to their door, the safety of not going to work, or many other issues that are coming up. Staying socially distant isn't just so you stay safe, it's so someone's grandmother who has to go to the store for food can stay safe, it's to avoid overwhelming hospitals and the hospital staff with the sick, it's to keep first responders who have to be out there doing their job safe, and it's to keep your loved ones sane so they know they don't have to worry about you being reckless. Being reckless does not just affect you. So let's be smart, and stay healthy. While you are socially staying distant, that doesn't mean you have to be distant from others. Thanks to modern advancements, there are so many things we can do to stay connected. Here are seven things you can do! Warning, most of these do require video chatting capabilities. 1. Virtually Visit Museums
2. Screen share shows on YouTube
Or you could also watch some live musical shows. Legally Blonde the Musical and Shrek the Musical have great live streamed shows. I also saw that 21 Chump Street, Spongebob the Musical, Carrie, Avenue Q, and Heathers all have some version online, I haven't seen them so I can't speak to their quality, though the music score on all are great. Or, you can listen to the new Dave Malloy (get to know his work if you don't already) musical, Octet, if you want to ironically face the further reliance on technology and the flaws technology creates within the self. 3. Video GamesMaybe this is how "Ready Player One" starts, people in isolation needing connection virtually. But seriously, video games can still be a great way to connect, especially since you can be social while collaborating toward a common goal. Video games promote camaraderie, attention to detail, and motor skills. Make the effort to coordinate with your friends to all play a specific game so you can chat online while still interacting in some way. Call of Duty's Battle Royal is now out and is multiplayer online, as are some older games like Modern Warfare, GTA, and many others (sorry, I don't play that many video games besides phone apps like Pokémon Go and Wizards Unite). I know not all games are online, such as if you are me with my old GameCube and MarioKart, but maybe this can be an excuse to invest in that new game you wanted but didn't have time to check out. 4. Movie Night
5. Book Club
6. Dance Party
7. Game NightPictionary, Qwixx, Scategories, Heads Up, Battle Ship, Catchphrase, Boggle, I even saw someone playing Code Names virtually. There are so many options, especially if you have the same game as other people. If you don't, maybe one of you can give clues for Catchphrase and then the other can lead a mind game. Mix it up. Get creative. Okay, so I started with seven, then thought of other ideas or were given other ideas from friends. Here are some other possibilities based on your interests and resources. There are so many possibilities if you take the time to think outside the box and put in a little effort at being intentional. Your friends are all looking for ideas to stay in touch. Don't be scared to instigate support. In isolation our insecurities can loom larger than life, especially with the added anxieties that come with any crisis. Really, it doesn't matter what you do, as long as you make the intention, others may desperately need it and not be as good as introverting as you are. Me, I'm great at introverting. I've been in lock down since Sunday, and I still feel like I've extroverted too much. What ideas do you have? Post them below. And here are a few more!
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AuthorCorrie Thompson is a writer, blogger, avid reader, and photographer. Follow her poetry on instagram: @mis.underwood Archives
July 2023
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