This is how the Obamas are physical distancing

In these stressful times, it helps to look to those who have spent years inspiring others and leading by example. Continuing to be a guiding light even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Obamas are leading by example and staying home when they can, reflecting on what makes them grateful, and also watching a lot of TV like the rest of us. You can be both an inspiration and relatable. In a phone call shared by good friend Ellen DeGeneres, former First Lady Michelle Obama gave some details on the current status of the Obamas, who are thankfully healthy and ready to step in to lead the US at any time. We may have added that last part, but sometimes putting thoughts out into the universe helps them come true.Ellen has been passing her time away from her daily talk show by calling her famous friends. Some of these conversations are shorter than others. FYI, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel are doing nothin’ and Chrissy Teigen and John Legend are bored even though they have kids. Ellen’s latest phone call was to Michelle Obama, who gave more than a few syllables when asked how the former first family are spending their time physically distancing. The conversation was filmed by Ellen’s wife, actor Portia de Rossi, who is in Santa Barbra with DeGeneres, along with DeGeneres's mother and de Rossi’s family.“We’re trying to structure our days,” said Obama, who confirmed that daughters Malia and Sasha are both home from college and working on their assignments online. “We’re just trying to keep a routine going, but we’ve also got a little Netflix and chillin’ happening.”“I just want to apologize. My condolences that the kids are home. Because you were saying how happy you are that they’re gone,” joked DeGeneres, eliciting a laugh from Obama. “I know, I shouldn’t have boasted about that,” said Obama. “The gods are getting me back!”

Always brightens my day to get a call from my friend Ellen, especially on this rainy Monday at home. It’s good to know that even when we’re apart, we’ve still got each other. #StayAtHome https://t.co/eBlVKED1Dv

— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) March 23, 2020

Obama and DeGeneres talked about their daily effort to stay busy and Obama touched on the historical nature of the current pandemic, noting that it has forced the younger generation, who are used to constant stimulation, to slow down. “There’s some good and bad that goes with it. I feel for all the folks who are going to suffer because of what’s going to happen to the economy and we have to be mindful about what we’re going to do to support those folks when this quarantine is over and people are looking at what’s left of their businesses and their lives" she said.“And that is a negative, but on the positive side, but I know for us, it’s forced us to sit down with each other, to have real conversations, you know, really ask questions and figure out how to keep ourselves occupied without just TV or computers. It’s a good exercise in reminding us that we don’t need a lot of the stuff that we have. When times are bad, having each other and having your health, we can do with a lot less and I think that’s an important lesson that I want my kids to understand.”The Becoming author said she hopes her daughters will learn to be grateful for what they have and be prepared to share it with the world, adding “Now we’re just happy that we’re together and everybody is healthy and safe. Who cares about the other stuff?”DeGeneres and Obama ended their conversation on a lighter note, returning to their longstanding rivalry over who is more physically fit. DeGeneres noted that she’s been working out every day while physically distancing and was ready for a plank challenge. “I’m gonna let you sit on that because you always seem overly confident in your ability to best me in these physical matches,” said Obama, earning a laugh from DeGeneres and de Rossi. “Yeah, I’m gonna let you sit on that too,” joked DeGeneres.DeGeneres shared the video of their phone call on Monday, the same day that Obama uploaded her Instagram post outlining how people can help others during the COVID-19 pandemic while still practising responsible physical distancing. “Whatever you’re going through right now, I want you to know you aren’t alone,” writes Obama. “And don’t forget: It’s okay to take a breath, too. Be gentle with yourself. Log off when you need to, take a break if you can, and let others know when you’d like a little help.”

 

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These past few weeks have been scary and difficult for many of us. We just don’t have a roadmap for what we’re currently experiencing—that in and of itself can bring up feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and fear. Not to mention the worry we feel about the health and safety of our parents, children, and loved ones and the financial security of so many families. Whatever you’re going through right now, I want you to know you aren’t alone. Even as we practice social distancing, this new normal is something we are figuring out together. As for me, I know when I’m feeling overwhelmed that picking up the phone and calling one of my girlfriends can work wonders. I also know staying close to my community helps me to feel connected and strong. If you’re not sure what that looks like these days, I’ve offered a few suggestions to get you started. But this is by no means an exhaustive list! Add your comment below with the ways you’re showing up for your community during these tough times. And don’t forget: It’s okay to take a breath, too. Be gentle with yourself. Log off when you need to, take a break if you can, and let others know when you’d like a little help. Illustrations: @grantagold Graphics: @linseyfields

A post shared by Michelle Obama (@michelleobama) on Mar 22, 2020 at 9:29am PDT

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