Everyday I struggle with the negativity and bleakness in society since COVID-19 took over our lives.

To not be able to see each other, touch each other, even be near to each other is wearing. No...it's exhausting. It's hell.

A deep loneliness is ripping society apart fueled by alienation, fear, and pessimism. It hurts. A lot.

It's a dark time. And the fight is real. At times I flounder so much I feel like I have lost my compass. Lost myself.

I asked my father how to cope with this unprecedented dystopian situation and he said:

"Give service to others. Think of others more than yourself."

At first I didn't understand, wrapped up as I was in my own miseries. But then I started a little thing. I began to observe others for ways to express my appreciation or complement them.

And then I gathered up my courage and said something intended to make them feel nice, not really sure it would be ok.

Give service.

Total strangers. Shop workers. Table servers. Dog walkers. I couldn't see their smile, because of their mask, but I saw the light ignite in their eyes. The lowering of tension in their stance. The warmth awakening in them. The connection, stolen by COVID still there, longing to return.

And I felt the weight of their burdens lessen, just for a heartbeat.

Words are magical. Powerful. And unlike a hug, they can remain with the receiver, nourishing them and encouraging them long after you have forgotten what you've said.

My father is a wise man. I need to go tell him that. Right now.

❤️