Finding Purpose in the Time of COVID-19
In this upside down world we currently inhabit, finding meaning and purpose can increase well-being – and make a big difference in your family's mental and physical health. We're not talking about anything dramatic; you can find meaning in the everyday. In fact, being forced out of routines can provide a unique opportunity to marvel at our interdependence, consider what we value, and help one another cope.
--- Jenny Friedman, Executive Director
ACTION
Here are simple ways your family can find meaning and purpose during this difficult time.
Cultivate wonder. According to researchers, "Awe – as opposed to joy, pride, amusement, contentment, and other positive emotions – is the singular sensation that goes the furthest in boosting one's overall sense of well-being." Feelings of awe can help us remember what matters, feel more connected, and be less focused on day-to-day concerns. A perfect prescription for our time.
Try this: Awe often depends on novelty or surprise, like spotting a double rainbow or coming upon an incredible view. But you can also inspire awe by looking at everyday things in a new way – through a magnifying glass, binoculars, or microscope, or with a flashlight at night.
Care for others. Altruism is highly correlated with a sense of meaning and purpose. Having a positive impact on others can remind us that we are all part of the human experience – and that we're all going through this together.
Try this: Download a DGT™ Kitchen Table Kindness Kit, or order a print version. This kit gives even the youngest family members fun, simple ways to help others while sparking important conversations about kindness and giving.
Record memories. Sharing personal stories of this strange time – and how we're managing – can bring peace, comfort, and healing. Plus it will get your kids talking about the emotions that this crisis is evoking, and inspire conversations about strategies for coping.
Try this: Have each family member fill out their own 2020 COVID-19 Time Capsule. Then discuss!
Share responsibility. Talk to your children about the importance of contributing to the common good – both in your home, as you all pitch in to clean, get food on the table, and do laundry – and in our communities, as we shelter inside to keep others safe.
Try this: Download our new At-Home Helper Map and consider how each family member can contribute as you shelter together.
Focus on gratitude. Noticing how others are making a positive difference can inspire us to do the same.
Try this: Together with your children, talk about the heroes – those you know and those you don't – who are helping in this crisis. Then download our Big-Hearted Award template and send an award to show your appreciation.
Re-Invent new rituals. Rituals are really important. They help us slow down, provide stability and comfort, bind us to one another, refocus us on what's important, and celebrate hope in times of upheaval.
Try this: Consider nightly dance parties, morning nature walks, or a brief loving kindness meditation before bed. Or light candles at dinner time and share a short poem. Be sure to include silly and fun rituals, too, like a costume-themed dinner or evening water balloon fights.
TALK
Heartfelt conversation and reflection are especially useful during times of uncertainty. Here are some questions to get your family talking together.
Are there things you miss as we shelter in place? Are you surprised you miss any of those things? What surprises you about the things you don't miss?
What have you done the last weeks that you most enjoyed? that you're most proud of? that was really difficult?
Can you name one worry you have? If you drew it, what would it look like? What would you name it?
What hasn't changed in the last few months, despite all the disruption?
What strengths do we have (individually and as a family) that are helping us navigate this time?
BOOKS
The Rhino Who Swallowed a Storm by LeVar Burton and Susan Schaefer Bernardo. This tale helps children cope with big fears. The rhyming verse draws us immediately into Rhino's world, where a storm has upended his home. The description of Rhino's inner turmoil after "swallowing the storm" will be recognizable to any child who has experienced fear or worry. In the end, focusing on the helpers and hope helps Rhino release the storm.
A Flicker of Hope by Julia Cook. Using darling candle characters, this story teaches children that dark clouds don't stay around forever, and that it's always fine to ask for help.
INSPIRATION
"Do not be dismayed by the brokenness of the world. All things break. And all things can be mended. Not with time, as they say, but with intention. So go. Love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally. The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you."
– L.R. Knost, American Writer