An observation: During this time of international crisis, I& #39;m noticing two things, both online and outside. One is to be expected. People are scared, and they& #39;re extremely sensitive because they& #39;ve been rubbed raw. They& #39;re quicker to lash out, get anxious about small things...

2) and snap at people. I have total empathy for that, it& #39;s a very natural and human reaction. But I& #39;m also seeing something that I dearly hope is a natural and human reaction too. People say hello more often. Big companies when responding to things appear much more human now.

3) People are making things. (NOTE: This isn& #39;t to shame those who aren& #39;t! You& #39;re surviving and that is sometimes all you literally can do, you are AMAZING!) They& #39;re making masks for others. Silly videos to make us laugh. Reaching out. It& #39;s as if for good or ill, we& #39;ve had...

4) so much of our "social veneer" rubbed away. It exposes the ugly and understandable, and the compassionate and warm, which is a little bit more of a surprise. YMMV. I know I& #39;m in a better position than many, though my mom& #39;s always in the back of my head.

5) So if you can, drop a line to someone you haven& #39;t been in touch with for a while. Take a walk (mask on in case you cross paths with someone!) Take a bath. Get out that soap , perfume, moisturizer or tasty snack you& #39;ve been "saving." It& #39;s a good time for self care too!

6) "Be excellent to each other". "Look for the helpers." Be one if you can. No one in this world remains untouched to some degree. "And "each other" also means yourself. Remember, I think you& #39;re awesome. Remember there& #39;s light in darkness. And please, eat that cookie.