I don’t know about you, but I’m overwhelmed with the current world events. I can’t consume news anymore and choose to be very selective in what I expose myself to on social media. In insta, I’m only connected to creative people, making interesting and innovative arts and crafts. It’s a well-known fact that more of us suffer from anxiety and depression post-Covid, every time we turn a corner there’s more bad news and horror stories.

One of the key things that really helps me is a gratitude practice. What this looks like is very personal and the key is to fit it into your life without additional stress or pressure. The way I approach gratitude is being in tune with what others are doing for me, for my family and for our society. Seeing people and their efforts, regardless of social or financial status. I express my gratitude through thank yous and hugs and hand-written notes. It’s different from just a text or an email, it’s more personal, feels more authentic and, somehow, more soulful. I prefer museum postcards; I find art inspirational and hope it brings a little smile to the recipient. I buy packs of cards and have them around, so it’s super easy to pull one out when needed and jot down a few things. My daughters’ teachers, the building’s super, the neighbor who lost her husband, holidays and events, I get out the cards and write words of gratitude, thanks or sympathy. I sent cards to my grandmothers, and insert my daughter’s art, her drawings and even her homework, so her great-grandmothers can see her progress and feel involved.  

How does this help? It’s the way our brains are wired. Doing something nice for another person gives a feeling of optimism, positivity and hope. So if the world seems to be getting you down, try building a gratitude practice for yourself in a way that makes sense to you. Perhaps it’s making a meal for a friend who’s sick or inviting someone out to lunch or simply asking someone if they’re ok. Try to be there for the person on their terms. Ask them what they need and listen to the answer.

It’s the small things that make all the difference. If it’s personal and comes from the heart, it means that much more. In my case, it’s a card. I scribble something down with my terrible hand-writing and send it off. It helps me sleep better at night. Amid a slew of things outside of my control, a little something I can control provides a feeling of agency. I can make a difference that’s a drop in the ocean, collectively, we can make waves and, perhaps, make this world a tiny bit better.

Imagine my surprise and utter joy at receiving a pack of Met postcards from a stranger. This is how it happened: Sunday Brunch in our local favorite spot. As we sat down to our meal, I saw an older woman walking to her table, wearing statement jewelry that was absolutely gorgeous. Our eyes met and we smiled at each other. A few minutes later, she approached our table holding a pack of postcards from the Met museum.

I couldn’t believe it, a stranger giving me cards, something I love and value so deeply, from the Met Museum, my favorite institution, of an exhibit I’ve been planning to see. What are the chances?!?! The postcards had art works on one side with the name of the work and the artist on the back. They were amazing!!! The exhibit is called The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism. I was shocked, why are you giving this to me, why are you not keeping them? She said she didn’t need them, she just saw the exhibit preview and got the cards for free and didn’t have any use for them. I tried to refuse but she left them on the table and said she’s got to be off, her family – her son and daughter-in-law – were waiting for her. They were sitting at the table next to ours. When I looked over, I recognized her son – he is a teacher at my daughter’s school. I recognized him because he was always super nice and extremely helpful during the events and fundraisers the parents organize. He helps us set up and carry heavy boxes. What a small world! We waved to each other, laughing. Now it all made sense to me, he was so incredibly nice because his mother was so pleasant and giving. She was also a teacher at that school for many decades as well. Only in NYC. Amazing brunch and amazing encounters.

Having now visited the exhibit: The Harlem Renaissance and Transatlantic Modernism – The Metropolitan Museum of Art (metmuseum.org), I’m even more grateful to the stylish stranger for giving me the postcards. I’m going to write a card to her and since I don’t have her address, I’ll pass it to her through my daughter’s school. They’ll give it to her son, who teachers there and he can bring it to her. I HAVE to say thank you for giving me this beautiful, and completely unexpected gift. And now, having visited this incredible, landmark exhibit, I’m even more grateful to have these mementos.

More on the Harlem Renaissance in the upcoming blog. Met video about the exhibit is below.

Now got to run to write some cards. Hope you have a beautiful day. 🙂