Rather than add to the disquieting mix of this past week’s conversation, I am going to share two quotes that may be helpful now and going forward.  The first one was shared by my sister-in-law, Catherine North.  She has always been a champion for encouraging the best in those around her.  The second quote was shard in response to the first as a continuation of inspiration.  That was shared by a newer friend who I came to know during the pandemic.  Her name is Erin Falk and she lives with joy sharing her adventures as if we were there.  The pictures were taken this past week.  Walking helped me see what I love in and about the city of New York.  

This is by Howard Zinn, Historian and author, 1922 to 2010.  

“"To be hopeful in bad times is based on the fact that human history is not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness. If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something. If we remember those times and places where people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act. And if we do act, in however small a way, we don't have to

wait for some grand Utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a

marvelous victory."

And from the Writer and author, Toni Morrison, 1931 to 2019:

“This is precisely the time when artists go to work. There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear. We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal.

I know the world is bruised and bleeding, and though it is important not to ignore its pain, it is also critical to refuse to succumb to its malevolence. Like failure, chaos contains information that can lead to knowledge — even wisdom. Like art.”

Self-Care Tips:

• Go for a walk.  The sheer act of movement helps to metabolize emotions helping to bring clarity
• Take in art.  See a film, read a book, view art, get to a live performance.  All art can be transcendent.
• Buy the book.  In the Time of Coronavirus has many self-care tips that can assist throughout the next years.  If you have the book, just open it up and maybe you can find a tip that will help to soothe.  https://janetzinn.com/product/in-the-time-of-coronavirus