Backstory: I laughed out loud just now as I drew this, because here in the United States, it’s Memorial Day Weekend. The last Monday in May is when we remember the men and women who have given their lives in military service to our country. Our flag has been flying outside our home since 7 am, and will continue to fly through tomorrow, so, technically I could call this nudge “Done!”
Not so fast. The whole point of 52Nudges is to go beyond the normal and comfortable and do something more. I just looked up the definition of patriotic: expressing devotion to and vigorous support for one’s country. I’ll have to think on this a bit.
What Happened: I woke up this morning (Monday–Memorial Day) knowing exactly what I wanted to do to complete this nudge.
In the early days of COVID sheltering-in-place, I learned about Notes for Support. Through this nonprofit, we can send encouraging messages to patients battling the virus and to the healthcare workers who are on the front lines. The nonprofit organization was created by a high school junior named Gina who knows first-hand about the power of receiving a physical note. (Read her story here.)
I’ve been sending notes here and there. It feels like a perfect way to complete this nudge, to show my support for Americans fighting our common enemy, if you will. So this week I am committing to sending two notes each day — one to a patient, one to a healthcare worker. I’m sharing this information today in case you’d like to join me in this.
To members of our military and their families, to healthcare workers and their families: Thank you for your service!
What Happened, Part 2: I started each day this week by writing my notes. Every note was different, as I imagined the person who might be receiving it and wished them well as I wrote. It was so easy, it took just a few minutes, and it set a positive tone for my days.
This morning I made a donation to Notes for Support’s GoFundMe account, to help cover printing and mailing costs. Now I can check this nudge off as successfully completed.
The Ah-Hahs: Throughout this pandemic crisis, I’ve been looking for ways I can help. This was one small one, and it felt good. I hope my notes have lifted the recipients’ spirits. I had my spirits lifted when I read the Gallery on Notes for Support’s website, and I encourage you to check it out. And if you haven’t already, I hope you’ll take a few minutes to send a note or two, too.
Meanwhile, some of us are looking forward to our cities’ reopenings in the coming weeks. Some of us are still practicing strict social distancing, and many of us are struggling. I pray you and your loved ones are safe and healthy.