Positively Monica

Like many people, I’ve stepped up my activity on social media as a way to stay connected with the folks I’ve not been able to see for the past few months. That being said, I recently came across something that made me smile, posted by a friend on Facebook. It was too good not to share with you.

Sunflowers Are Onto Something Good!

Did you know that sunflowers turn according to the position of the sun? In other words, they “chase the light.”

This may seem like a logical (and impressive) action for these tall, tough plants to take. But, it might make you wonder what happens on cloudy or rainy days when the sun is completely covered by clouds. Do you think sunflowers wither or turn their magnificent yellow heads toward the ground?

No! When there’s no sunshine, they turn to each other for energy!

Perhaps the reason this post resonated with me so strongly is because there are many who are struggling right now. For those in property management, it’s not just about you and your staff. Everyone who calls your community home is experiencing some kind of challenge forced upon them by this pandemic.  The list of concerns seems endless—money, employment, health, family, etc. And sadly, although apartment-dwellers are living in very close proximity to their neighbors, there are a lot of people suffering from loneliness and depression.

What I’m trying to say is this—now, more than ever before, we need each other. And, although your smile may be hidden by a mask, there are still many ways you can encourage, support and inspire those around you.

If you haven’t done so already, now is a great time to take reach out to your residents and tell them how much you appreciate them.  A handwritten note or phone call from you or your staff could certainly “energize” someone. It could also brighten an otherwise lonely day.

You might also consider enlisting the help of your sign vendor and create encouraging messages to post around your community where your residents can see them.

Although it’s been said, “we’re all in this together”, none of us know how COVID-19 is truly affecting the people around us. What we do know is that nature sets an amazing example for us through sunflowers, giving us a tip on how we should turn to one another for strength during vulnerable times.

I’m praying God’s grace, strength and peace over you, my friends,

Monica

Monica E. Simmons, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for JDC Enterprises, LLC., has worked in the multi-industry in several different capacities since 1987. She is a published author whose books include:  I Have a Complex, But I’m Managing It!,  It Happened in The Hill Country and 30-Love.

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