Looking for a Cure to the Loneliness Epidemic

Loneliness and isolation represent profound threats to our health and well-being. But we have the power to respond. By taking small steps every day to strengthen our relationships, and by supporting community efforts to rebuild social connection, we can rise to meet this moment together. We can build lives and communities that are healthier and happier. And we can ensure our country and the world are better poised than ever to take on the challenges that lay ahead.

— Vivek H. Murthy, M.D., M.B.A. 19th and 21st Surgeon General of the United States Vice Admiral, United States Public Health Service

I became acutely aware, like many, of the issues with loneliness when the world went into lockdown. It gave me the impetus to move back to Buffalo after so many years coming back during summers to visit family.

I also saw the result of what loneliness in the age of social media has wrought. It rocked my community, and it will leave a scar deep in my heart.

Mister Rogers is cited for the quote "Look for the helpers" in times of trauma. I want to provide touchstones and totems of peace and kindness to help those hurt by loneliness to heal. Signs that ground us in empathy instead of fanning flames of division.

My kind listen before speaking.

My kind do research at the library, not online forums.

My kind say please, thank you, and I'm sorry.

My kind root for their team to succeed, not the opponent to lose.

My kind give bikers space and share the road.

My kind put away shopping carts, even if they didn't use them.

My kind wait patiently for their turn to be served.

My kind shovel their neighbors' driveways when they can't do it themselves.

My kind use headphones on public transit.

My kind hold on to their trash until they find a bin.

My kind hold doors to let others go first.

My kind thank those that do the same.

My Kind Be Kind.