Play Nice, Stay Safe, Don’t Suck

There is no disputing that we live in challenging, stressful, unsettling times, Modern Philosophers.

The Coronavirus has disrupted our lives, made us fear going outside and being around others, and left us with a very uncertain future.

Such a seismic event also merits a change in our personal philosophy.  After all, if we have to make such substantial changes to the way we live, it’s only logical that we should alter the way we think.

I put on my best Deep Thinking toga, went for a long walk (with my mask and while practicing proper social distancing, of course!), and came up with this new philosophy:

Play Nice, Stay Safe, Don’t Suck.

That philosophy not only applies to me, but also to everyone else in the world.  I want to share it with my fellow Earthlings, and proclaim it from the highest rooftops.

Play Nice, Stay Safe, Don’t Suck.

I’m constantly observing human behavior.  That comes naturally to me as a writer as I seek out ways to make my characters more realistic.  It’s also difficult to ignore human behavior when the best and worst of it is thrust into your line of sight on a regular basis.

Let’s face it, this pandemic has brought out the best and the worst in people.  We all love the inspirational stories that move us to tears, give us hope that we are going to be okay, and renew our faith in mankind.

But then there is the other side of the behavioral coin.  The ugly tales that make us pray extra hard for a higher power to rescue us before we destroy each other.

Yesterday was a particularly rough day.  On several occasions, I was on the receiving end of behaviors that were a contradiction to my new philosophy.  It left me bewildered, upset, and questioning my faith in my fellow humans.

I have tried my best to remain upbeat, but Coronavirus Induced Mood Disorder in people around me tends to get me down and incite my anxieties.

So I implore you all:

Play Nice, Stay Safe, Don’t Suck.

When I returned to The House on the Hill last night after a long, stressful day, I was surprised to find my grill out in the driveway.

The grill had toppled over last winter during a blizzard, and something broke.  As a result, I didn’t use it at all last summer because I’m not very good at fixing things.

My neighbor fixed it while I was at work, and then planned a barbecue for dinner.

I have been craving a burger for so long, and after the day I had, I wasn’t looking forward to cooking dinner.  So this was exactly what I needed.

We had a socially distanced gathering in the yard and my mood improved exponentially.

What did this unplanned ending to my day exemplify?

Play Nice, Stay Safe, Don’t Suck.

It really is a simple way to live your life, and simple is good right now.  It’s a mantra you can recite when your stress levels are rising, or when a situation arises that you know might present a challenge.

Say it with me now, Modern Philosophers…

Play Nice, Stay Safe, Don’t Suck.

That philosophy is not going to end the pandemic, but it very well might help you to survive the challenging times ahead.