Call Your Nana or Literally Anyone

A friend of mine called me chuckling the other day. She told me she had tried to reach her grandmother to see how she was doing during the COVID 19 crisis and rang the wrong number. An obviously elderly woman answered the phone and timidly said, “Hello?”
“This is Joyce. Is that you, Nana?”
“Who?” the elderly voice replied.
My friend continued her story, and told me, “Once we had both realized I had mis-dialed, the voice on the other end wasn’t so eager to let me go.”
Loneliness. When I’ve chatted with friends and family who live totally alone they say: “I’m more likely to die of loneliness during this crisis than COVID-19.”
Something to think about.
These days, there are so many generous people stepping up to fill the gaps during this hustling to save lives.
Bill and Melinda Gates have donated millions to help find PPE for healthcare workers.
Lady Gaga pulled together major stars to entertain us, and not as a fundraiser. Just as a way to calm and connect us. “Sit back, try to relax, and enjoy the concert,” she said.
Thousands and thousands of healthcare workers are risking their own lives trying to save lives of others.
We can all do something.
What if we all “mis-dialed” on purpose once in a while to wish a random stranger a good day? What about just checking on neighbors to offer help? Your neighbors may say “no.” A generous neighbor in her thirties texted me to say, “Pull a grocery list together we’re going shopping for you,” I resisted, I fought, I delayed. I was embarrassed. Yes, I’m a Baby Boomer getting up there in age, and know that I’m in the vulnerable population for the virus. Finally, I gave into the pressure, realizing that it had less to do with me feeling helpless and more to do with them being able to help. What a lovely gesture on their part.
If you want to help a neighbor who is resistant and proud, who resists by telling you they don’t want to “put you out,” considering replying in this way: “I don’t like people helping me either, but in this case, we are helping you whether you want it or not.”
I’m happy they pushed me.
Now, you go push someone else and help. The smallest gesture on your part can mean more than you’ll ever realize to someone else.

Get more exciting communication tips in Loud and Clear by Karen Berg. Read more here: https://tinyurl.com/wm2tod4