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March Snapshot is Canceled. Here’s How to Help Others.
It’s official. March 2020 can go kick rocks. It’s been a month of sad personal news and a global pandemic.
So, in lieu of my normal monthly snapshot, let’s talk coronavirus.
How to help
via GIPHY
Donate to your local food bank
Photo by Dayne Topkin on Unsplash
Many families depend on schools for more than just education. With so many schools closed at the moment, there are a number of students who might be unable to get the meals they depend on.
Or donate to any good cause, big or small
Because of my own history with cancer, I tend to donate to cancer-fighting organizations. But shelters, the boys & girls clubs, and local initiatives are also great places to start. And don’t forget about donating to the arts, either. Art helps us navigate the good times as well as the bad.
Support your local small businesses
Photo by La Compagnie Robinson on Unsplash
Not every job can be worked from home. For the ones that can’t, it means workers are putting themselves at risk to provide the goods and services people need. While we’ve been advised to stay at home to avoid spreading the virus, there are things we can do to support our local businesses.
A plant gift certificate, anyone?
But also, you know, support small businesses everywhere!
For yourself
Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash
If you are able to work from home, your commute time has likely suddenly seen a decrease (for me, I’ve gained about two hours). So, what should you do with all that extra time?
Specifically, learn to bake (b/c if you can’t buy bread you might as well learn to make it. Btw, try the red velvet cookies. You’re welcome :).)
Throw a virtual Netflix party or hit the online mode for video games
Sleep in (it’s a pandemic. You don’t have to be productive 24/7.)
Practice meditation and mindfulness
Throw a themed virtual dance party (70s, 80s, anime themes, movie themes, whatever you like. Just remember to social distance :D.)
Make art (something I’ve been meaning to do this week: draw what’s outside my window.)
And, of course, read
For the writers & readers
Photo by Kat Stokes on Unsplash
Be amazed by what kid lit writers are up to
Work on your query letter and synopsis (for later)
Read outside of your genre (you can shelve any advice about going outside atm :D)
Write (I had to, I’m sorry :D)
Alright, y’all. Stay safe, stay indoors, stay hydrated, and stay well read. Wash your hands. Take frequent breaks. Eat well and get some exercise.
* I feel conflicted about this. On the one hand, I want to support local businesses. On the other hand, it doesn’t sit well with me that I’m working from home while other people are out there risking it all for the rest of us. But, in the end, I’ve landed on including it on the list because if a business can switch from dine in to delivery, it means their employees can eat, too. If you’re ordering in, tip as much as you can.