If you're in a place, #21: Social Distancing

You are my other me.

March 16, 2020

#21: Social Distancing

If you’re in a place— and let’s be clear, we are all collectively in a place right now— I’ve compiled a list below of a bunch of shit that I love and that I think you’ll love too, but I will only allow you to enjoy this list if you are absolutely and completely following the rules of SOCIAL DISTANCING. Your cutesy charcuterie board party with your four friends DOES NOT COUNT. Going to your favorite cocktail bar or brunch one last time DOES NOT COUNT. Hanging out with people because you’re like “Oh I know THEY’RE good, and it’s just a couple of us.” DOES NOT COUNT. I cannot say this loudly and repeatedly enough: live your life under the assumption that you have contracted COVID-19. Stone cold fox Idris Elba reported testing positive literally while I was writing this, and guess what? He wasn’t showing any symptoms. So we clearly have no idea who has this virus and who does not.

I don’t say this to alarm you further. Or add to what I’m sure is already a crippling amount of anxiety. I say this to remind you that we are all part of the same fabric, and this has never been more clear than it is right now.

This is no longer an abstract idea.

Our actions ripple now more than ever. Staying in unless absolutely necessary means hospitals don’t get overwhelmed. It means you’re not, without your knowledge, spreading the virus to your friend, who is then spreading it to their tia or primo, who is then spreading it to their sibling, who is then spreading it to their partner, who is then spreading it their parent or friend or family member who has lupus or who is elderly or who is pregnant. It also means that we slow the spread faster, we get this under control more quickly, so that all of those bars and restaurants and shops you love and want to support because these are hard times can open back up faster. It means people are out of work for less time. It means your friend who doesn’t have health insurance doesn’t have to worry as much about contracting the virus.

Staying in is an act of radical empathy and compassion. You’re not doing it to save yourself. You’re doing it to save others. You’re doing it because you realize that you are sewn into a quilt, and, even if you can’t see the squares at the other end of the blanket, you know these small acts will help save them. Doing good for strangers is doing good for yourself. You do it for all of us. This is the definition of community.

Be well. Be safe. Be kind.

SHIT TO WATCH

  • Yoga with Adriene - I just started her DEDICATE series. I HATED the idea of yoga until my best friend shared Adriene with me, and now at-home yoga is quite honestly one of my favorite things. Adriene has a way of making a truly stiff muscled and frumpy Mexican boy feel like this yoga shit is accessible. Also, her dog Benji is adorable.

  • Tyler, The Creator’s or Mac Miller’s or D.R.A.M.’s or Ari Lennox’s Tiny Desk Concerts. All are the definition of joy.

  • K-Pop group PENTAGON’s video for “Humph!” Wow, is this the stupidest but catchiest thing ever.

  • GENTEFIED. It feels like every person in my immediate Los Angeles social circle has watched this already, but if you haven’t, please do so immediately. This may be my favorite TV show ever. I’ve never felt more seen by a piece of media.

  • Better Call Saul. Were you super into Breaking Bad? Did you skip Better Call Saul because you thought it sounded kind of tired and dumb? WELL STOP IT. I’d argue that season 4 and the currently-running season 5 of the show are actually better than Breaking Bad in so many ways. WATCH.

  • Random TikToks. Honestly. I don’t get TikTok. But I downloaded the app a few days ago and didn’t even sign up for an account. I just watch the FOR YOU page, and it’s mostly shit, but for every ten or so dumb TikTok dances, there’s a gem like this that fills me with life in these dark times.

  • Richard Linklater’s Before trilogy. Before Sunset is my personal favorite. But they are all good. I just found out that Criterion Collection made this gorgeous boxset, and now I am $80 poorer.

  • Ratatouille. The best Pixar movie. Don’t @ me.

  • Watchmen. Did you not watch this when it was on? I hadn’t been this locked into a series week-to-week since the pre-Netflix days. Does it help to know the graphic novel before? Yes, definitely. But it’s not absolutely required.

SHIT TO READ

SHIT TO LISTEN TO

SHIT TO DO

  • Download Fitbod. A super easy to use fitness app that lets you put in the equipment you have and then builds a workout routine for you.

  • Meditate! Use Headspace. It’s simple. You will be happy about it.

  • Use this time to get rid of shit you don’t need anymore! Pack it all up, and when all of this shit clears up, donate it!

  • Learn to cook. One of my favorite and simplest recipes to make is this recipe for Chicken Tortilla Soup. I usually add more of the spices and add them while the vegetables cook.

  • Bake something. These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip cookies by my favorite baking blogger Joy the Baker are dope. They are almost closer to a muffin in texture, but they are delicious. Anything by Joy the Baker is good.

  • If you have the means to do so, buy a Nintendo Switch. Breath of the Wild. All of the new Mario games. So much damn fun.

  • Make your bed every day. I’m sure there have been studies done about this or something. but I’m too lazy to Google them because I already Googled all of the links above. Just trust me. It feels nice.

  • Make to do lists. But also, be gentle with yourself. Be kind to yourself. It’s a fucking rough time. If you stay in bed all day, it’s okay. If you get a bunch of shit done, that’s cool too. Write your book. Or just watch Netflix all day. Drink some beer or wine. Smoke a little weed. Whatever feels good. You are loved.