These are unprecedented times we are experiencing in America and around the world due to the Coronavirus, or COVID-19 as you have heard medical professionals call it. It seems like COVOD-19 has come out of nowhere and sadly has had a major impact so far on businesses and the way we live our lives. This disease poses the biggest threat to the elderly and disabled community. Whether we want to admit it or not, this disease has impacted everyone in some way. The disability community has to take extra precautions in regard to this disease.
In New York, the governor has issued a stay-at-home order. As a small business owner, I have learned a lot over these past few weeks. Thankfully, my business can operate with minimal impact from COVID-19 due to technology. While we have had to shift our lives in dealing with this disease, I am very thankful for how this disease has allowed me to put things into perspective. And it has allowed me to keep connected with friends and family from the comfort and safety of my home. How can you stay connected to friends and family if you don’t go out, you might ask? Well news flash! It’s the 21st century and everyone and their grandmother has a cell phone or a computer.
There are some things we can do that allow us to still enjoy the company of our friends and family, even though we are social distancing and are not allowed to visit face to face. The Internet has really allowed a lot of people to stay connected. Video chat is my go-to when I need to have a meeting or just want to talk with friends. Me and six friends have an online poker game on video chat every Friday night while we are quarantined. This is a great way to keep in touch and have fun while still practicing social distancing.
I think the biggest thing I have changed overall with social distancing is my eating habits. Usually I go out to eat once or twice a week with my friends. We now have our weekly restaurant dinner on FaceTime, usually on Thursdays. This has actually been more enjoyable. We don’t put any pressure on ourselves to make a big dinner. We all make different things. Some people order from local restaurants. Unfortunately, my doctor told me I can’t order out food. But I usually keep it simple and make macaroni and cheese. We never tell each other what we are making or ordering for dinner. As soon as we join the video call, we try and guess what people are eating. I have been wrong almost every time. I swear I’m just going to guess pizza every time from now on!
I also have a different group of four friends who call or video chat with me almost every morning while we are drinking our morning tea and coffee before work starts. This helps to lighten our moods before the workday begins.
Look at things from a positive perspective. This is a great time to start home improvements and get your spring cleaning done. This is a great time to be focused on work or school and stay educated while practicing social distancing. As for me, I sit outside in my backyard on warmer days and watch the birds eat from the feeders.
As individuals who have disabilities, we are faced with adversity and challenges every day. We tackle these challenges head on and always learn from the past so we can make a better future. There is no doubt in my mind we will rise to the occasion. So, listen to our leaders in government. We will overcome COVID-19.
About Josh McDermott: Josh is a brand ambassador for Quantum Rehab®. He is a public speaker and has served as a goodwill ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Josh lives in New York and loves to travel. Click here to learn more about Josh.