Listen up, here’s a way to help others through the Coronavirus crisis

“What we try to do in the face of very difficult conversations is we try to make things better…What makes something better is connection.” Brené Brown (professor and writer on courage and authenticity).

It’s mid-March 2020 and we’re in the midst of a global pandemic. We’re all hunkering down, fearful of the future. Worried about our own health, the wellbeing of our loved ones, of neighbours and people we don’t even know and will never meet.

Daily life as we know it is grinding to a halt. Things we take for granted are changing. We can no longer go out to eat, see our friends, take the bus, the car or the train to work. All this is shifting right in front of our eyes. How will we cope, what will the world look like after this is over?

So many people around the globe are being asked to isolate or distance themselves socially, so how can we remain connected? At heart we are herd animals and being isolated can create loneliness and great mental distress. So what can we do? What can you do? Right now?

Listen.

Not to me. I mean to others. To your loved ones, to your neighbours and to people who need an ear. Listen properly — actively pay attention so you can make them feel special.