I believe, in most situations, you can find silver linings if you look for them. And lately, I’ve been finding silver linings in the way people have been coming together despite all the social distance between us. The stay home #withme movement, coupled with the widespread use of technology, have revealed how people can still support one another and spread optimism, hope, and joy.
Despite all the social distancing, people are coming together in ways they haven’t ever before.
So, turn off the news, and focus your attention on something positive for a little while. Let’s take a look at some uplifting stories, moments of comic relief, and positive messages that have come from the communities in our nation these past few weeks.
“Dr. Elvis” and His Melodic Inspiration
A singing doctor at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota has been dubbed “Dr. Elvis” and has been working with his other doctor friend to create music to spread joy. He has been producing videos of inspirational songs, like “Imagine” by John Lennon, to keep people’s spirits high despite the scary and confusing times. He aims to spread uplifting stories and messages through his music. I’d say he’s definitely a man of many talents.
Check out his video here on ABC News.
Outpour of Support for Health Care Workers
Perhaps my favorite uplifting stories to come out during this time have been those that show support for our health care workers. These are the true heroes at this time, fighting the virus on the front lines while we all stay home to make it easier for them to be able to fight.
Here are just a few noteworthy stories that show some love to our health care workers:
Shift Change Solidarity Celebrations
Cheering from balconies, setting off fireworks, and flickering lights in high rises have become popular images in big cities during the hospital’s shift changes. People are seen hooting and hollering to show nurses, doctors, and medical professionals that they are appreciated as they leave or start work for the day.
Here’s a great news story showing the support from San Diego. I truly can’t get enough of these! Check out the hashtag #Solidarityat8 for more coverage of this good stuff.
Face Mask Donations
Everyone knows about the shortage of PPE equipment for health care workers. In fact, many people have taken it upon themselves to sew and donate face masks to help combat the shortage.
This truly shows the American spirit hard at work to protect those fighting to keep us safe, and these efforts do not go unnoticed.
Check out this tutorial on how to sew your own face masks.
John Krasinski’s “Some Good News” Network
We all know and love John Krasinski for his comical performances on The Office and many other movies or TV show appearances. Lately, he’s taken to his home office to produce a little YouTube show called “Some Good News” where he shares uplifting stories and moments during these times. Because life seems like its saturated with negativity, he strives to spread some, well, good news.
Steve Carrell even joins him in one of the episodes. The homemade touches, like the sign his daughters made for him, and the reality of wearing work-from-home apparel (suit on top, jams on the bottom) simply make this a heartwarming show during this time.
Funny (and Oh-So-Relatable) Memes
It’s no secret that social media connects the world and makes distance seem like no big deal. With the increase in communication over social media, there has also been a rise in memes. Memes are great ways to find comic relief in almost any situation. They make you feel less alone, because their messages typically reveal some universal truth about how we are living our lives on a daily basis.
Check out these memes about subjects we can all relate to, such as:
- Working from home
- Coronavirus
- Homeschooling during School Closures
- Social Distancing
- Parenthood During Quarantine
There are SO many great memes out there to help you laugh through the hard times.
Related Post: How to Turn Panic into Positivity
Tyler Perry’s Generous Grocery Run
I need to take a moment to shout out to Tyler Perry for his support of the elderly. He recently bought groceries for many of the seniors that went shopping during their special store hours. But the kicker isn’t just that he bought their groceries. It’s that he bought groceries for ALL the seniors at, not just one, but 73 grocery stores!
Check out the full scoop here.
If you know me, you know I LOVE elderly people. I think they’re the cutest and kindest and wisest of us all. And they have the best stories. Props to Tyler Perry for giving them a helping hand!
This Heartwarming “Welcome Home” Parade for a Teen Cancer Survivor
This is one of my favorite uplifting stories from the past few weeks. Upon her return from her final chemotherapy treatment, Pasadena teenager Coco Johnson was surprised with a Welcome Home neighborhood celebration on her drive home. Neighbors and friends lined the streets, cheering her on from inside their own vehicles, keeping their distance from one another, as she drove through the neighborhood.
This truly brought a tear to my eye and reminded me of the good inside people. (Which was much needed at the time when pictures of crowded beaches were the images saturating much of the media).
Check out the video from NBC Nightly News here to see for yourself. Just grab a few tissues first.
Neighborhood Messages and Art
Many neighborhoods across the nation are showing their hope, faith, and perseverance by displaying messages, colorful images, and signs throughout their yard and windows.
This has brightened the path for many people, who have taken up daily walks to get fresh air and a break from their work day (or children).
The other day, I was walking on a nearby street and I saw multiple hand-painted signs with messages of hope displayed in someone’s front yard. It made me smile and reminded me of all the good that is still happening despite the fact that schools are closed and playgrounds are taped off.
Check out the art-inspired neighborhoods in Missouri and this inspirational Texas house in these news stories from around the country.
Try your hand at creating a hand painted sign or a sidewalk chalk masterpiece in your neighborhood to spread joy and hope.
All the Pet Adoptions and Animal Foster Homes
Even just saying the word “puppy” puts a smile across so many faces. Sometimes, it really is that simple.
And some families figured that out early, as the numbers of pet adoptions and foster homes have been soaring during this pandemic.
Because many animal shelters and humane societies have closed their doors, people have been stepping up to foster the animals. Others have opted for full-time adoption.
In fact, in New York City and Los Angeles, they’ve seen a 70% increase in fostering animals since the beginning of the pandemic.
Even the headline of this news story, “Every Single Animal Was Adopted From Chicago Animal Control This Week For the First Time Ever” makes you immediately smile and click to read more. And the same happened at a Humane Society in Wisconsin, too.
I am loving these uplifting stories about animal rescues and foster care, because I truly believe that we need pets as much as they need us.
The Influx of Social Media Challenges
There’s no better way to connect people than over technology, especially social media. Social media has been a great resource that has connected people in ways like never before.
People love to instantly get messages and actionable challenges from friends. These are a few challenges now trending on Instagram because of how rapidly they have caught on and spread through accounts.
#see10do10challenge
Friends pass this message along to encourage others to join them in doing 10 push-ups, and then keep the train going by passing it to another buddy.
#seeapupsendapup
This hashtag showcases pictures of dogs during times of social distancing. We all know that dogs are the true winners here, getting their owners by their side 24/7. It’s the stuff of their dreams, so let’s all take the moment to praise them even more with this challenge.
#firstdancechallenge and #firstphotochallenge
Pics or it didn’t happen, right? This challenge asks couples to see their first wedding dance and their first photo as a couple, which allows everyone to get a glimpse at the good ole days.
We can all appreciate these challenge for making us do something that requires a little more effort than just a filtered selfie, so props to us coming together for that.
iHeart Living Room Concert for America
In efforts to keep our spirits high, entertainers have been stepping out of their comfort zones and letting us into their homes to hear them sing.
This concert was broadcast on Sunday, March 29th on Fox, but you can still check out the content and some extra coverage on their website.
Performers like Elton John, Mariah Carey, the Backstreet Boys, Alicia Keys, Dave Grohl, Camila Cabello, and many more came together from inside their living rooms to perform for America.
It’s definitely worth checking out if you are looking to kill some time by checking out uplifting stories and messages about coming together.
One World: Together at Home
If you missed the living room concert, you still have time to catch a good live show. WHO and Global Citizen have just announced an at-home concert to show support for health care workers during the COVID-19 crisis.
The concert will air on Saturday, April 18th, so be sure to set your DVR for some good “live” TV hosted by Jimmy Fallon.
You can check out more info about the program on their website.
Distance makes the heart grow fonder, right?
So, right now, America’s heart is surely beating with a high level of fondness for those they miss. And if people continue to come together to show each other the love and support they’ve been showing, we can get through this and come out stronger than ever, with more care and appreciation for one another than ever before.
What are some of your favorite stories of people coming together to spread optimism, joy, and hope during these hard times?
Related Post: 15 Activities for Kids and Dogs to Do Together
america come together coronavirus covid-19 dr. elvis good news health care workers power in numbers social distancing spread positive messages tyler perry unite uplifting stories
These is a wonderfully encouraging post! With all the fear going around, it is wonderful to see the amazing good as well. Thank you for this, it made my day!
I’m so glad you found some cheer in this post! That was my goal 🙂 I think it’s inspiring when you look at all the people rise and come together during tough times. Thanks for reading and stay safe!
Many of our citizens and restaurants in the area have purchased meals for our law enforcement officers who are working diligently to keep our community safe during this time, often facing the unknown enemy of this virus infection.
Added to that, our hospital employees are doing double duty by making masks and hospital gowns to share with the staff. The sewing crew of physical therapists made over 250 gowns yesterday while still being on call for their medical duties.
And then, on the news, I was really touched by the campaign to put stuffed animals in windows for the children to see. Most of those were stuffed bears and bunnies. It surely put a smile on many who see this as they walk safely down the street.
Love the positive attitude of this post. I live in an area that has been very hard hit. My daughter had the virus and has recovered, I have numerous family members who have it now and I have a friend who lost her father and one friend in the hospital on a ventilator. My other daughter is an ICU nurse at a large state hospital. Her stories scare me. But all the positive support for the workers and not only health care has been encouraging to see. I send coffee gift cards to nurses at the hospital that I know are having very hard days, this is a way I can help. We will all get through this together as long as we all stay positive. Thank you for being positive and spreading a positive message.
In the middle of all the fear, anger and worry we have seen an outpouring of human kindness that I haven’t seen since 9/11. People are slowing down and loving each other, helping their businesses and giving virtual hugs. Beautiful to see how a crisis can bring out the best in people.
This is such a great post and so needed right now! We have been playing games with friends via zoom! It’s actually so much fun!! It makes you feel like your family are not the only few humans in the world.