As Judd Shaw Injury Law™ wraps up its monthly theme, March’s “Don’t be lucky, be fortunate,” we focus this blog on emphasizing feeling fortunate and hopeful during a situation that looks gloomy. The common expression “every cloud has a silver lining” means that even the worst events or situations have some positive aspects.
With all the tragic things that are happening in the world as a result of the coronavirus global pandemic, now might seem like an unusual time to be feeling fortunate. Yet staying positive is a core ingredient in the recipe of success with coping during a crisis.
Now, more than ever, is the time for us to be proactive about creating small moments of happiness in our days and to be grateful for the time together during in-home confinement.
Not that long ago, so many of us were rushed in a flurry of routine tasks and general busyness. For some of us, it’s not that often that we have time to gather around for family dinners, reconnect with loved ones, connect in more meaningful ways, and are pressed to enjoy simple experiences and activities together. We are finding new ways to connect with ourselves and loved ones. We’re realizing how important community is and doubling-down on investing in it. We’re deepening our appreciation for the people – the teachers, doctors, nurses, grocery store workers, garbage collectors, first responders, and more – who are the foundation of society.
Our pets are getting more attention and love. We check in on family and friends a little more than when we were rushed for time. Generosity and community-mindedness is spiking. Pollution is down. We are leveraging technology to let us keep creating and connecting. We are learning new hobbies. And just perhaps for the first time, we are realizing the world can come together and share the same fight and concern.
For New Jersey, we are reading and hearing about many selfless individuals and organizations within our communities that are dedicating their time and efforts to help others. “Knights in Shining Armor” throughout Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex, Burlington, Bergen, Passaic and Hudson counties, including other jurisdictions, are doing what they can, big and small, to support others in this difficult time.
For example, the owners of Federico’s Pizzeria in Belmar New Jersey have taken out a $50,000 line of credit to keep their employees on the payroll for the foreseeable future, leading to those in the community to donate to the pizzeria. Many of those who wanted to help out even paid for food to be sent to hospital staff, police, firefighters, and EMS squads. In Eatontown, first responders put on a small parade for a boy who, due to social distancing, couldn’t celebrate his birthday the way most 5 year olds get to.
Bell Works is donating 500 meals per day to first responders in Holmdel. People and organizations throughout New Jersey have been coming together to support others in a number of ways since the start of the coronavirus outbreak. Seeing our communities support those within them has been a beautiful silver lining to this crisis.
Above all, this experience can remind us and teach our children a valuable life skill: resilience.
Content edited by personal injury attorney Judd Shaw. From the beginning, Judd established a set of Core Values laying out the pursuit for excellence in client service. He is a regular host of the Working The Wow podcast, with the belief that providing an exceptional client experience is just as important as delivering a quality service or product. You can find us in Red Bank and Tom‘s River, New Jersey.