Smart, courteous behavior. Then there's the exceptions...

Yes there is a lot we don't understand or know about the virus that is taking this world by storm. We have been asked to be responsible with our actions in an effort to control the spread. Since we have never experienced anything like this before, it stands to reason that we will see a varied reply. Some people are taking the ultimate precautions, while others are pushing their luck. We are being given the benefit of the doubt by our leaders who trust that we will all do the right thing, or at least follow instructions. I feel a personal lack of confidence in my fellow humans. I don't like to, but I can't deny it. You see, I have taken notice in many situations where we are given an opportunity to show our integrity, or lack thereof, for that matter. Take for example a moment of silence. As much as it is a show of respect for someone or something, inevitably there is always a few in the crowd that choose not to be silent. Because it is left to each individual to "follow in suit," or "do as others do," the choice is not always standard. Another example is what I witnessed the other day at the post office. They were only allowing so many people in the lobby at once, and most of those there were in line with a space of about 6 feet between each other. A lady came in behind me and stood 6 feet back, then immediately someone came in behind her and stood right behind her. The lady politely asked that the person move back, and sadly the person got snippy. What should have been a reaction of, "oh that's right I'm sorry, I forget. I am not used to this yet," was mishandled. I was very disappointed to see this behavior. I just don't get why some people have chosen to make this so personal. Yet, when it really is personal, then there's the want for a more standard response. In other words, we just might not all have it in us to act as we should, but will feel regret if that behavior leads to damage or harm.

Here is our chance to show humanitarian pride by voluntarily sacrificing part of our lives to pitch in and help stop the threat that we are facing. Let's love our world and each other by respecting everyone and everything we care about. We can quickly get back to living the lives we understand instead of living restricted. It has been left up to us to show that we can act rationally and maturely. We can guide our young to see that working together makes more things possible. An opportunity to embrace what this country has been about since becoming a union, which is freedom of choice and freedom of action, is truly before us. We could see this crisis as a chance to become strong again, unified again, like after 9/11. Granted we have made mistakes and we have also become more segregated, but that can change. We must understand that we are being given the choice to react passionately, and to show we care about our world.

It doesn't matter who you are, or what your age is, we will all be affected by this illness if we don't start to listen better. Every one of us. So, I call upon all my fellow citizens of this country, and this world to head the call to be better people. Spread the word. Please stop the irrational behaviors. We can show how each and every one of us cares and respects life. All it takes is staying home for a while. Shopping and other necessary trips out should be kept to a minimum. When you do have to go out, do it with as few members of the family as possible. Also, keep distances as is recommended, but really do this. When I have had to go to the store, I have seen so many people in stores all at once, walking or standing right near one another. This part of what we are all trying to do to minimize exposure risks is the simplest, yet not adhered to enough.

When one ignores the warnings and the precautions everyone else is abiding by, it creates a kink in the chain. I assure everyone that if we can stop moving the virus around it will settle and disappear. If we don't respect the need to do this, we will be in for a much longer, much more compromising ordeal. Show your integrity. Say to yourself, "I will do what is noble and right by others, because we are worthy." The sooner we all comply with the unpleasantness, the sooner we will knock this thing out, friends. Ding ding ding. Let's get it over with.