coronavirus should not interfere with elections
Coronavirus Should Not Interfere With Elections
March 19, 2020
public deserves timely and factual information
Public Deserves Timely And Factual Information
April 3, 2020
coronavirus should not interfere with elections
Coronavirus Should Not Interfere With Elections
March 19, 2020
public deserves timely and factual information
Public Deserves Timely And Factual Information
April 3, 2020
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Coronavirus Presents Great Opportunities To Become Closer

Coronavirus Presents Great Opportunities To Become Closer

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While social distancing is being urged as one of the most effective ways to prevent more infections, the coronavirus presents great opportunities to become closer to each other. First and foremost, it presents an opportunity for world leaders to put nationalism in its proper perspective and come together to share information and other resources to bring global healing in light of this aggressive, deadly, and debilitating pandemic.

But there are many things we can do, as individuals, within our areas of daily influence. Could it be that while being encouraged to stay at home and to work from home, it provides a great opportunity to reconnect with and help family members, friends, and neighbors—near and far?

Contemporary culture and our ways of life have too often required or demanded that we forego nurturing some of the most important relationships. Job demands often rob parents of quality time with their spouse and kids. Those demands often leave less time and energy to interact with other family members—siblings, cousins. Neighbors? Too often, we hardly know their names.

The coronavirus presents great opportunities to become closer with these important people in our lives as we maintain social distancing. Where we are unable to have direct in-person contact, technology affords us many options to stay connected.

The rapid arrival and spread of the coronavirus has certainly changed things. The mass closure of schools and businesses has abruptly forced us all to adjust and make changes in our daily lives. Whether welcomed or not, parents now have more time to spend with their children. Parents can not only gain a better appreciation of their schooling, they can become closer to their children socially and emotionally.

Coronavirus Presents Great Opportunities To Become Closer

Coronavirus Presents Great Opportunities To Become Closer
Photo Credit: Monkey Business Image

For those husbands and wives and other relationships whose jobs have made their personal interaction like ships passing in the night, the coronavirus present great opportunities to become closer. There are opportunities to have quality and meaningful conversations, share mutually enjoyable activities, and simply reconnect, get reacquainted, or get to know each other better.

What about self-renewal? Think about all those frustrating thoughts and times when you wished, yearned, for a chance to pursue a hobby, an intriguing interest, develop an exercise routine, read books, write a book, letters, essays—whatever is on your imagined or actual wish list. The coronavirus presents great opportunities to become closer to achieving some of those very things.

How can we apply our time, energy and talents to help others in need as we practice social distancing? World leaders and elected officials have challenges, but so does each of us.

Yes, having to stay home because of business and school closures is no doubt causing financial and other kinds of hardship. But what can you do about it at this point? Fretting, worrying, and being irritable will not solve the problem. The best thing we all can do is make the most of it.

World leaders must make the most of this challenge. So must we. As bad as it is, the coronavirus presents great opportunities to become closer in many areas of humanity.

Feature Photo Credit: nito100

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Janice Ellis
Janice Ellis
Janice S. Ellis, PhD, is an award-winning author. Her book, From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other major book sellers. She has written a column for newspapers, radio, and now online, where she analyzes educational, political, social and economic issues across race, ethnicity, age and socio-economic status. You can see her writings on this website.

70 Comments

  1. Erika says:

    I hope this coronavirus stiruation help families to reconect and help people to open the eyes and see their priorities in life. I also hope that it helps to companies to develop remote work as a better option for the company and employeds

  2. Caleb says:

    For me I will use this time to do a bit of self reflection and improvement. I might even take up Yoga!

  3. Pink says:

    I like how you view the glass as half full and not half empty. great article as usual!

  4. Anny says:

    This whole pandemic may be a blessing in disguise. Society was so disconnected as it is.

    • Avatar photo Janice Ellis says:

      Anny, you have a point. I think that as tough as it is, we must find the good in it, and move forward with a commitment to make things better on many fronts.

  5. Sean says:

    It is important to note that even as we use this period to become closer we should maintain social distancing. Additionally, all other health protocols should be observed at all times.

    • Avatar photo Janice Ellis says:

      You are right, Sean. There are many ways we can grow closer and improve relationships while adhering to social distancing and other healthy guidelines.

  6. Laura says:

    It is always prudent to make the most out of every situation whether good or bad. Thanks for the great tips Janice 🙂

  7. Maverick Kelowski says:

    Awesome points mentioned and I think this pandemic also gives us a chance to show our resilience in the face of adversity. I agree that it’s the perfect time to pursue a hobby as well. Thanks for the uplifting piece.

    • Avatar photo Janice Ellis says:

      Thank you, Maverick! Yes, crises like this makes us better in many ways. We should never doubt the human capacity when it comes to finding a solution as well as self improvement.

  8. Terry says:

    What a wonderful article Janice. Indeed people should make the most out of this opportunity to connect.

  9. Desma says:

    Spouses with relationship problems can use this opportunity to mend their relationships. It’s good to make lemonade out of lemon.

  10. Olga says:

    Our jobs are normally too demanding. With the lockdown more people can now get to connect better with their friends and family.

  11. Penny says:

    I guess it’s time to develop a new hobby. I have always longed to learn how to play the guitar.

  12. Marley says:

    Another thing people can do is to practice working from home. In future if working from home is adopted widely pollution can be greatly reduced.

  13. Rickard says:

    I can finally spend the much needed quality time with my family. It’s a great opportunity for that.

  14. Janine Bocateja says:

    Eventhough I’m all alone and stranded right now due to work. All I can think abotu is my family. I just hope I can go home very soon to be with them.

  15. Obasa Funmilola says:

    Everything either good or bad has its own pros and cons. The negative side is that the corona virus is deadly, while the positive side is that it brings close relationship among the entire world. Hmmmm, this is ONE WORLD.

    • Avatar photo Janice Ellis says:

      Yes, Obasa, as difficult as the infections and deaths are, we must find the good and move forward to better many aspects of society. We have to look for the opportunities.

  16. Flakky says:

    I have been really learning from this lockdown. Things I never new my kids do when I am off to work, I see now and will use this time caution them. I really though wish this virus can back off soon. Money needs to be made.

    • Avatar photo Janice Ellis says:

      Flakky, it is good you are seeing the positive from being sheltered at home and spending more quality time with your kids. I also understand the stress of needing to get back to work. Continue to stay positive and hopeful!

  17. Kijo says:

    I have been bonding perfectly well with my family this period. I think I need to start taking an online course I have been procrastinating for a while now.

  18. Scott says:

    I agree we can all slow down and be closer but will we all make that move? Yes I would like to think that this reveals the best in people but on the other side, reveals the greed of people as well. Do not forget it also has politics in the mix. I hope it will be over soon.

    • Avatar photo Janice Ellis says:

      Scott, what a missed opportunity if we do not, as individuals, rise and do the best things for ourselves, family, community, or country. We can let those who are filled with greed and games win–no matter who they are.

  19. Tricia says:

    a good read. i have lost my mother recently due to a heart failure but we cannot even see her, mourn her body or even see her cremated one last time because of this pandemic. I surely hope everyone does their part to contain this virus so this nightmare would be over.

    • Avatar photo Janice Ellis says:

      Tricia, my deepest sympathy. The virus is causing pain beyond measure. It will take all of us working together to resume some semblance of a normal life. Find comfort in knowing your mother will always be in your heart as you hold on to a lifetime of memories.

  20. bukky says:

    This coronavirus presents great opportunities to become closer to achieving some of those very things. Let make good use of this and enjoy the company of our family members. They are all that matters.?

  21. maureen says:

    Yeah! it just like seeing good even in hopeless situations. There are a lot of things we can do now especially bonding with the family. It will really be helpful.

  22. Alice says:

    We can always see good things even in desperate moments. This is the time to reflect and help as much as we could to the people who are less fortunate than us.

  23. Meldred Judith says:

    As a great person once said, ” Many see it as a great pandemic, but I see it as a great corrector.” This helps us brings closer to the ones that matters.

  24. Mark Janeo says:

    I really agree, an amazing article. Coronavirus may have distanced us. But we can still be close by the use of technology.

  25. Janine Bocateja says:

    With all the crisis we are going through, we just need to stay positive and look for the brighter of life. With these situation we have righ now, it is teaching us that family is very important and we will be more prepared all the time. Stay safe to all and stay home.

  26. Prince says:

    This drastic change to our day to day activities has given us time with our families, and like we all know our families will always come first. Also let us keep praying for the outbreak to leave completely

  27. Wilson Jake says:

    Family is all I have and all that matters to me. I am I type of person that comes home when the kids are sleep , only my wifey sees me for 4hrs daily, and that’s because she has made it a point of duty to stay up for her love; so blessed isnt it. But now, my kids even notice something is happening that I am home to help with things around.

  28. Alex says:

    Yes that is true since we are on quarantine now. While I do agree that this has a good side. Nothing will deny the fact that the longer the virus is here the longer the world will be on its knees. To me the cons outweigh the pros. Depends on where you are looking I suppose.

  29. Sylvia says:

    For me this presents a good opportunity to develop new hobbies and interests. That notwithstanding I hope everyone is taking good care of themselves.

  30. Storm says:

    Indeed we should make lemonade out of lemons. Thanks for pointing out how we can make the best out of this dire situation 🙂

  31. Anderson says:

    A lot of families have been brought closer in the wake of the virus. At least there’s something positive we can get out of it.

  32. Shantel says:

    This pandemic has brought to light just how disconnected we had become as a society. It’s ironic since you’d think that with all the technology that connects us today we became so disconnected on a personal level.

  33. Louis says:

    I have been making the most out of the lockdown. I have gotten closer to my spouse and overally it hasn’t been a very bad experience.

  34. Teddy says:

    The Coronavirus has brought the world together in ways I never thought possible. It’s sad we had to be confronted by a pandemic for this to happen.

  35. Daphne says:

    I pray that humanity emerges from this pandemic with more love and unity than ever before. It’s a good thing that governments have been co-operating to fix the situation. that has fostered great relations worldwide.

  36. Oliver says:

    It is worth noting that the closeness could also work to ruin some relationships. There’s the real potential of people simply not getting along.

  37. Patricia says:

    The coronavirus is kind of a blessing in disguise. A lot of people can get to connect better during this period. Nonetheless let’s hope we get through it safe.

  38. Meg W says:

    This is a great opportunity for people to mend broken relationships. It’s a rare opportunity that should be taken advantage of.

  39. Roy says:

    I couldn’t agree with you more. The pandemic really does provide a good opportunity for people to rekindle those bonds that have been lost due to the hustle and bustle of modern life.

  40. Maury Cheskes says:

    There’s a saying; “if you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” I think this message is pretty relevant here. I agree that there’s opportunity for families and friends to become closer and test our resilience in this troubling stage. Humanity has undergone much worse hardships and the important thing is to be productive with hobbies and show our strength in the face of adversity.

  41. Brenda says:

    Though not how we anticipated, this can be a good time to spend more time with with your family and friends as we work from home. It’s looking at the positive side of everything.

  42. Danielle M says:

    I agree, not all is bad regarding coronavirus, most of crisis always have two faces. This hard times brings families closer, people becomes more able to help eachother in orhter to survive and we all develop socials skills that we may had lost cause of internet platforms to meeting people virtually.

  43. Oyeyipo Oladele says:

    This corona virus pandemic has really brought unity one way or the other among people of the world. The greatest question now is how can we apply our time, energy and talents to help others in need as we practice social distancing. Let’s show love to each other. Thanks for this good post.

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