This Pandemic is Hard on Everyone. Be Kind.

With so much uncertainty in the world right now, it is definitely hard. People are stressed and struggling. People have dealt with death, sickness, unemployment, loss of wages, and much more. We're dealing with grief, isolation, and to a certain extent, helplessness.

Even though it's hard to be kind, it's necessary to practice it whenever possible. We don't know everyone's circumstances or everyone's story, so be gentle with each other.

For the past two months, I've been working with teenagers. One of my jobs is working as a high school English teacher. Before the pandemic, teaching already had a bunch of challenges. Now with distance learning during a pandemic, it's much different. I have struggled with outreaching with students, ensuring that they come to our online class sessions on time, having them turn in their work, and stay engaged and motivated throughout the whole process.

As well as my students did overall, I was surprised by how many students struggled with distance learning. I also was surprised with how much they struggled also. I know that there are lot of issues they faced. First of all, they had to learn during a pandemic. Two, many of them are not used to doing so much schoolwork at home. Their lifestyle habit was not used to this. Third, a lot of them may have had to share technology with their parents, siblings, or other family members. Fourth, some students had to now take care of their younger siblings now that their siblings had to stay home also. Fifth, some students have to work to help their family make ends meet right now, especially with many people getting laid off. Sixth, they or their family members could get sick, and that is both stressful and dangerous.

I know not all my students fit in this category, but many do. I talked to so many of my students and their parents about their struggles, and while they do tell me some of it, I know that there is so much more I don't know. There are too many factors that can't be transcribed in a phone call or an email. Many of them probably don't want to share so many personal details out of embarrassment, which is totally understandable. I won't know their whole story, and that's okay. I don't need to know everything to help them. I just need to remind myself to be kind throughout the whole process.

With everyone we interact with, we won't know their whole story. If I see someone at the story upset and being a jerk, that person might have had a rough morning and is acting out. If I see people easily irritated, I can safely presume that it has something to do with the pandemic. If you, your friends, or your family are acting less like themselves, it's understandable. Be kind.

Roderick Conwi is the Executive Editor at Nourishment Notes. He is also the author of The Procrastinator's Quick Guide To Getting It Done. To get powerful insights that enhance your day, join his free newsletter.