To be socially responsible, Iris reduced meeting up with friends and family especially those with children and elderly. She maintained contact by phone such as messages and video chats. Let’s not forget the important handwashing, sneezing or coughing into a tissue and disposed properly. Iris and her husband reached out to their neighbours, left them their contact numbers and invited them to contact them if they needed any help, even if it was to buy food or groceries for them. They were heartened that most of them responded with their numbers too and the same supportive message. Iris adhered to taking twice daily temperature taking and masking up when unwell or when she had to meet with people in close contact, to prevent any spread in case she had the virus.
Iris still had to go into work while her husband worked from home. He maintained a structure for his day which followed his usual workday if he had to go into the office. To show some support, she would get him some treats when she got home from work, such as his favourite beverages and cookies to have during his day. She kept to a routine of what she usually did to maintain her balance mentally and physically. Besides work, she baked, read, meditate, watch television and run with her husband, and dog.
Essentially, Iris did her best not to let her emotions control her, as emotions come and go. She found out what were the good or right things to do by relying on authentic evidenced sources and did them while supporting others. Everyone is having a hard time. “One stick breaks easily, but not a bundle of sticks” is a Chinese proverb that reminds her to stand united as a group and they would make it through this period together as fine as we can. Reminders from a sharing by Daily Stoics, “premediatio malorium” which is “have a plan if things get worse”, “summum bonum” which is to “act virtuously, don’t be your convenience above other’s safety” and sympathetia, as “we’re all in this together. Be kind, help others, don’t be selfish”.
