Remember to be kind

Over the last month, so many people in this country have been absolutely devastated by the sad news that TV presenter, Caroline Flack, took her own life. As a collective, we have seen an influx of people re-emphasising the message that we all need to remember to be kind and a little more aware of our words and how much of an impact they can have on a person. 

We have seen an increase of donations being made to The Samaritans and conversations overheard about the #BeKind movement and #CarolinesLaw, in an effort to bring our moral compass back to a place where people can feel safe and protected, despite the battles they are facing. 

At the same time, we have also been learning more every day of the sudden outbreak of Covid-19, also known as the Coronavirus. Sky News reported there are now 798 confirmed cases in the UK with a confirmed number of 11 people who have now died from the virus too.
Whilst the Government are moving into phase 2 of their plan to deal with this virus, Boris Johnson made an incredibly disturbing speech yesterday saying it was "the worst public health crisis for a generation" and warned many families they would "lose loved ones before their time".

Schools in Ireland are now closed, schools in the UK are cancelling trips, sporting events are being postponed or cancelled and businesses are making decisions to cancel their own events and put measures in place if a call for isolation is essential. I saw a small business owner being attacked on Facebook this morning after deciding to cancel a trip away that had been organised. Despite a notice stating they were still looking into the next steps, the comments being left were soul destroying and so hurtful. It broke my heart. 

This week we have also seen people physically fighting with each other in supermarkets over toilet paper and shouting abuse at one another for bulk buying antibacterial gel and food products. It’s become an absolute shamble.

The sad thing is right now, more than ever, we need to all be a little more kinder to one another. We are living in uncertain times and it’s understandably worrying. I can comprehend why people are getting upset about events that are being cancelled, and how frustrating it is, especially when there is money involved. I too have weekends away planned over the next few months which may well be impacted, but to shout verbal abuse or write horrific and threatening messages on social media, when we are all in the same boat, is uncalled for. 

We are all trying to get through this situation in the best way possible. Let’s not undo all the effort we have been focusing on over the last few weeks at the very first hurdle we have come to. Don’t prove yourself to be a band wagon jumper, show yourself to be the decent human being we all know we can be.