I can’t imagine a more timely occasion to write a post on the importance of managing our “media diet,” a concept I was introduced to by the beautiful and talented Cleo Wade. Cleo is a writer and community builder who shares poetry, artwork, and prose to motivate and inspire others to create change through a strong commitment, both individually and collectively, to self-care and social justice. New York magazine calls her the “millenial Oprah,” and after reading her most recent collection Where to Begin (about the ideas, mantras, and poems Cleo says she turns to “when I feel like I am losing it”), I kind of have to agree. me more “me” time, and also a lesson in compassion, because we’re not doing this only for ourselves. The young and healthy have a responsibility to stop the spread of the virus by being mindful of their actions, so that we don’t spread it to those that are immunocompromised. This is a lesson in solidarity and compassion.

These quarantines (whether mandatory or recommended) mean we are in a forced retreat! HOW COOL IS THAT? We’re being ASKED to stay home and take care of ourselves. In a society that’s usually asking us to “DO DO DO” and “GIVE GIVE GIVE” and “BUY BUY BUY,” we’re being asked to reduce our social interactions, work from home, and keep ourselves healthy. Some more “me” time, and also a lesson in compassion, because we’re not doing this only for ourselves. The young and healthy have a responsibility to stop the spread of the virus by being mindful of their actions, so that we don’t spread it to those that are immunocompromised. This is a lesson in solidarity and compassion.