Most of us are a little overwhelmed right now. The coronavirus pivot has become more of a triple-pirouette on a daily basis. It’s downright dizzying. And yet, quick moments of joy, kindness—maybe even a little grace thanks to our stunning natural surroundings—keep us going here in Summit County. Here are a few prompts, should you need them.   

Adopt a Park City Senior 2020

Don’t worry, you’re not really adopting a teenager. It’s not that big of a commitment. Ask Park City recently launched a Facebook campaign borrowed from a national movement to show high school seniors some extra love—given that these kids are missing out on a lot of long-awaited milestones and festivities as they graduate sans the usual pomp and circumstance. The idea is that families of soon-to-be Park City High School graduates post a message about said students on the designated Facebook group and folks in the community “adopt” them. Adoption simply means promising to send the student a letter or card, gift, snack, treat.... The goal is for all PCHS seniors to be adopted, so spread the word: #parkcitysenior2020 and @parkcitysenior2020.

Count those lucky stars

True to its name, Leadership Park City is helping pave a path to gratitude and kindness. The current class’s “26 Days of Gratitude” campaign started April 26, and there’s still time to visit parkcityofkindness.org to get some ideas. The basic premise: simply pause for a few minutes and think of some positive aspect in your life. Should you need a little inspiration, namaste your way to the prompts on the website.  Share your gratitude by posting and tagging @parkcityofkindness on Facebook, @parkcity_of_kindness on Instagram, and @pcofkindness on Twitter with the hashtag #26DaysofGratitudePC, or email submissions to [email protected]. And be sure to look for an upcoming Leadership "Spread Kindness" campaign in partnership with the community-and-athlete-character-building nonprofit Live Like Sam.

A note on gratitude and kindness: While many of us are surviving on hiking and biking (ah, wonderful trails!) and shared batches of sourdough starter, we understand that there is very real suffering and fear right here in our community. The generous people and nonprofits who support all of our neighbors and friends top our oh-so-thankful list. Should you or someone you know be suffering from anxiety, depression, food insecurity, or substance abuse, CONNECT Summit County has a slew of resources.

Spend a virtual evening celebrating (and supporting) art

Monster Drawing Rally is back! Park City Summit County Arts Council and Kimball Art Center present the “Digital + Rewired” version of the annual event via Zoom on May 15, 8–9:30 p.m. Check out the creative process as about two dozen local artists spend roughly 50 minutes sketching, painting, and creating on-the-spot works (which are then for sale for $50). Additional works are also online, should you be looking to round out your art collection. While watching the live creation process, go to the 2020 Digital Monster online exhibit to check out what’s for sale (60 percent of the proceeds go to the artists, and the rest is split between the two nonprofits). Music and artist talks round out the event. Register at monsterdrawingrallypc.org

Of course, moments of joy can be spontaneous. And small acts of kindness—from sidewalk chalk messages to meal deliveries for frontline workers—strengthen our community in all sorts of ways. Keep on keepin’ on, Park City!