Since the death of George Floyd , I feel like I’m living in a bubble in Prescott, Arizona. Life is calm and quiet in Prescott working with my animal communication clients. Phoenix is a 2-hour drive from us. We wake up to beautiful days and end with unbelievable sunsets.

After living in Minneapolis for over 40 years, we stream the Twin Cities news. Suddenly I’m watching George Floyd die. I’m in shock like many of you.

I remember driving down the street where he died as I went for haircuts. I know the stores affected by looting and destruction. I feel my chest tightening as I talk with friends who describe their lives now.

I catch myself flashing back to a summer during high school. As usual, I had summer job with the Federal Government. I stand at a street corner in Washington, DC after the assassination of Martin Luther King. I see boarded up buildings and soot on buildings. I feel the tension in the air as I wait and board the bus.

Then I remember I’m in Prescott and I’m safe. My chest is tight and tears flow easily. I exhale and remind myself — I am safe. I am safe.

Yes, we are all affected by the past months of isolation from COVID-19.

Suddenly our eyes are opened again to blatant discrimination. We’re also learning or relearning about subtle discrimination.

I’m determined to break out of the Bubble! I am

• Smiling at a stranger with my eyes with my mask on.
• Thanking every person who helps me – store clerks, the person packing my groceries – with “Thank you for working!” Their eye’s light up.
• Helping a neighbor. I took her newspaper up her steep driveway to her front door. We talked a while when she said, “I’m so lonely” with tears in her eyes. I’ll stop at her house more often.
• Brightening a friend’s day by calling them on the phone.
• Grateful for my life and our safe home.
• Upping my self care with walks, Tai Chi in a park, reading, watching funny shows, etc. Greeting our neighbors and their dogs.
• Believing 2020 is a year of change and growth.

It feels good to make a difference in someone’s life. I encourage you to share kindness, joy, and love with others.

Please share with me what you’re doing to make someone’s life better by making a comment below.

This video gave me hope! Enjoy “You’ll Never Walk Alone” Virtual Choir/Orchestra with 300 people from 15 countries.