With all the chaos and scary news in the world right now during this COVID-19 crisis, it’s easy to begin to feel helpless. Read more to find out how to start spreading joy in safe and socially distant ways in our communities!
Have you seen John Krasinski’s little web show he films from his living room? It’s called “Some Good News,” and it’s worth seeing. He shares uplifting and heartwarming news stories from all around the world. I may or may not have shed a few tears. Okay, I wept.
We’re taking a page out of Krasinksi’s handbook, and sharing ways you and your community can help support, encourage, and uplift each other, even staying safely distanced.
1. Spreading Joy With Chalk!
All over the world, people are taking their creativity to their driveways, calling it “Chalk Your Walk.” Some communities have even taken it a step further and created “chalk museums,” a challenge where families are encouraged to re-create some of their favorite famous works of art on their own driveway, so drivers or passer-byes can admire (from a safe distance, of course!).
2. Teddy Bear Scavenger Hunts
One of my favorite activities as a child was going on scavenger hunts. There’s something about it that makes you feel like you’re a pirate searching for treasure! Communities have been displaying teddy bears in their windows, mailboxes, and front porches for other neighbors to search for!
Send a message out to your neighbors and see if they’d like to join in the fun! It’s great for practicing observational skills and fun for the whole family.
3. Rainbow Window Art
Rainbows have been popping up in windows all around the world along with encouraging messages, “Let’s all be well,” and “It’s going to be okay!” It started in Italy and quickly spread through platforms like Instagram and Facebook. There’s no wrong way to do it!
Use whatever you have, whether it’s sticky notes, crepe paper, washable window paint/markers, poster board, or even just colored paper! Make it a fun craft project for the whole family! Walkers, joggers, bikers, and even your across the street neighbor will love seeing your work of art and is sure to be encouraged!
4. Car Birthday Parades
Those with birthdays in March and April really got the short end of the stick this year. It’s especially hard for little ones, who probably don’t understand fully why they couldn’t have the traditional birthday party they’d hoped for. However, all around the world, we’ve seen neighborhoods come together to celebrate individuals with “birthday parades.”
From decorating the windows to hanging banners, wearing party hats and costumes, honking horns, blasting music, singing. There are plenty of ways to keep spirits high and make others feel loved and celebrated from a distance!
5. Staying Connected and Spreading Joy With FamilyApp!
FamilyApp is a private messenger where you can keep in touch with different groups all in one app! Create a group for your neighbors and share these awesome ways to spread joy and hope during COVID-19.
What are some ways you’ve seen others safely spreading joy in communities? Let us know in the comments.
