COVID-19 Character in Quarantine

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THREE CHARACTER EXERCISES FOR DAILY FOCUS DURING COVID-19

BY S. FRY - April 5, 2o2o

As each person, community, and country grapples with COVID-19 impact, the opportunity is presented to exercise honorable character even in quarantine, shelter in place, self-isolation, or social distancing. Common phrases such as “Won’t you be my neighbor?” by Fred Rogers, or “Love your neighbor as yourself” in the Bible take on deeper meaning in light of changes during the pandemic. Another social phrase, “Do unto others as you would have done to you” only has bearing if character within ourselves is correct. Otherwise, unhelpful things like hoarding toilet paper, or hurtful things such as ruining $35,000 in groceries become the awful result. Take time daily to review your own character and assess the impact to relationships, because we all have one goal: recover from COVID-19.

CHARACTER EXERCISES FOR DAILY FOCUS: 1) DISCIPLINE OF SELF: MIND, BODY, SOUL; 2) CARE OF COMMUNITY: HOME, CITY, STATE/NATION; 3) GOAL OF RESTORATION: FINANCE, FRIENDS & FAMILY, FUTURE.

  1. BUILD DISCIPLINES FOR OURSELVES in Mind, Body, and Soul. 

    MIND: Set focus on short-term steps & long-term plans in order to be steadfast not overwhelmed. 

    BODY: Stay active in exercise, self-care routines, & sleep to prevent fatigue, illness, & added stress.

    SOUL: Develop patterns of rest which give space from tasks and others in order to listen, pray, & reflect. 

  2. PRACTICE CARE OF COMMUNITY FOR OTHERS in Home, City, and State/Nation. 

    HOME: Participate in your environment rather than retreating from interaction, or expecting others to serve you. Contribute in everyday tasks, take initiative, and be willing to tackle challenging projects together. 

    CITY: Be aware of surroundings, pay attention to advisories, recognize the impact of loss in jobs, money, supplies, illness, & life. Be ready to assist wisely in time, talent or resources as permitted. 

    STATE/NATION: Respect leadership and be discerning of how laws and guidelines impact you and others. Their goal as administrators and public officials is safety and survival too.  

  3. SET GOALS FOR RESTORATION & RECOVERY in Finance, Friends & Family, and Future. 

    FINANCES: Economic recovery will take many different forms financially over the next weeks, months, and years. Be patient and exercise stewardship for what NEEDS are daily, rather than WANTS or WISHES. 

    FRIENDS & FAMILY: Each family member & friend will be impacted, & each will process in their own way at their own pace over time. Seek to listen to others, more than telling them what to do next. Do not be afraid to indicate you may not have the answers, or to express that you are also overwhelmed. Be honest, but not enabling. Be hopeful, but not unrealistic. Healing is a journey for us all. 

    FUTURE: Life changed on every socio-economic & personal level due to COVID-19. It will take time to adjust and adapt, yet practice hope for the future that the Best is Yet to Be. Do not be discouraged or fearful. Do the next right thing in faith, grace, kindness, and love for all you encounter, in real life whether communicating in person or remote. 

    CHARACTER APPLICATION QUESTIONS:

    1. Mind, Body, Soul: What is one habit you wish to improve or eliminate & what steps will it take? What is one characteristic you admire that in 10 years you hope is a personal strength? 

    2. Home, City, State/Nation: Are there household or volunteer opportunities within your street, city, or state/nation that need special delivery, medical attention, financial contribution, or assistance in management that can be conducted remotely?

    3. Finance, Friends & Family, Future: Are you in a Situation of Need or Situation to Aid others? If you are in a Situation of Need, take time to assess the key areas of need (not wants or wishes) and seek wise counsel in terms of friends, family or organizations that may be able to assist. If you are in a Situation to Aid others in resources, connect with friends and family to learn of specific needs and if it’s good stewardship, choose to aid them personally, or connect them with organizations who may do so on your behalf. 

    ©2020 Copyright S. Fry