In your normal daily life, it is important to focus on the little things that bring you joy, like cooking yourself a delicious meal, going for a run or reading a good book. Now, this has become even more important, since we can hardly escape the grave headlines or news flashes with yet another update on the Coronavirus. However, we have noticed that the corona crisis has brought forward the best in us all, positive dots of light are spreading on social media channels, and are picked up by the local news. These positive dots of light are exactly what we will focus on in this blog post.
Flowers
Who doesn’t get happy at the sight of a beautiful bouquet of colorful flowers? That is exactly what some Dutch florists were thinking when deciding to donate hundreds of bouquets to local hospitals and care centers. The flower industry is taking heavy losses as well, as the supply and demand curve drastically shifted during the last couple of days. Luckily, they were able to turn, even for just a little, into something positive. Instead of throwing these flowers away, they spread happiness. You can read the full article in Dutch here.
Expressing gratitude to vital jobs and increasing solidarity
The initiative started in Italy, where inhabitants collectively started clapping from their balconies at home. Why? To express their gratitude for the people risking their lives every day in vital jobs battling the spread of the Coronavirus. Doctors, nurses, policemen, politicians, teachers, firefighters, child daycares, but even the people who ensure the supermarkets stay open and are well stocked. This initiative quickly was taken over by other countries in the world. We have collected some news items to spread this positive and grateful vibe.
The Dutch King and his family recorded a video (while in home quarantine) to express their admiration and gratitude. Also, the Dutch people took to the streets to collectively applaud the heroes of vital profession.
Or have a look at this article about beating Corona by dancing in Spain: ‘’From applauding exhausted medical workers from their balconies to spontaneous flamenco on the street, Europeans are keeping their spirits up.’’
In Tel Aviv, they have lit up the Municipality Hall with the colors of the Spanish flag, as a sign of solidarity. The mayor of Tel Aviv wrote on twitter:
In solidarity with the residents of our partner city, Barcelona and with the people of #Spain, who are fighting against the #CoronaVirus, we have lit up the Municipality Hall with the Spanish flag. En solidaridad con nuestros amigos españoles. ¡Viva España! ¡Viva Israel!
Neighbors to the rescue! This beautiful gesture of neighbors taking care of each other in Austria shows how it is done. But also this heartwarming surprise that took place in Madrid.
Another interesting read is this one, because someone had to be the first one to come to the rescue. In this case, it was the Viennese Fredi Ferkova. She posted an offer to help people in risk groups with anything they needed assistance in, which was imitated all over the world.
Nature
Also in nature, we see (unexpected) positive changes. Because of social distancing, home-quarantines and the lockdown of several big countries in the world, it has caused one of nature’s biggest bounce backs in history. The COVID-19 outbreak could very well be the sign we needed in order to stop being ignorant to what we’ve done to the planet.
Just to name a few extraordinary examples that occurred over the last couple of days:
- How cute is this group of elephants who wandered into an empty village in Yunan, China, looking for food. Instead, they got drunk on 30 kg of corn wine and fell asleep (with smiles on their faces) in a nearby tea garden.
- Dolphins and swans returned to the canals of Venice. Locals massively posted on social media, in awe of what they were witnessing. “Venice hasn’t seen clear canal water in a very long time. Dolphins showing up, too! Nature just hit the reset button on us,” they wrote. If this is not a sign clear as daylight, we don’t know what is. Enjoy the videos and read the entire article. Also, we found this news in Italy: “Ducks in the fountains of Rome, Venice canals have now clean water full of fishes. Air pollution dropped in the entire country. Nature is reclaiming its space during quarantine in Italy.”
- Worldwide, a severe drop in Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) pollution, due to the lack of human activity, can be detected. We have been receiving data from satellite sensors, showing us the air pollution of countries like Italy, China and the Netherlands from one month ago and now. What we are seeing is shocking and calls for awareness. Our air has become so much clearer and healthier in just one month’s time. Have a look at these pictures.
Click here for more detailed information about air pollution in Italy.
This is a picture of China, taken one month after each other. Also in other European countries, the quality of air is improving. However, at the moment it is only making a little difference to the climate, experts say to the NOS news stream. Read the full article here.
Kindness is contagious too
These examples were just the icing on the cake. We are sure there are many other positive things happening that are worth mentioning. We inspire each other all over the world to stick together and create positivity wherever we can. Let’s keep an eye out for good! This virus is contagious, but so is kindness. Spread it as fast you can!
