We know the power language has to affect our feelings. There are reports out there about burgeoning feelings of anxiety, depression, loneliness. It occurs to me that language has something to do with this: ‘self isolation’, ‘shelter in place’, ‘social distancing’, and the more extreme ‘quarantine’ and ‘lock-down’.
I think we need a change in language toward the idea that we are agreeing to take steps to help everyone else. We are denying the virus the opportunity to spread, we are working to keep the numbers of new cases down, we are taking really important steps to stop the curve of the graph of cases steepening.
We are flattening the curve! That’s it! Let’s celebrate the good we are doing, making sacrifices for the good of everybody … let’s say that we are “flattening the curve.”
ElderChicks 
I agree. I `stopped watching the National nightly news due to their frightening language of what-It’s. We need to encourage with positive language.
Amen to that, Jean Lythcott.
I am choosing to hide behind a tall fence and locked gates. I have them because my dog is a runner, but plan to be there for the next few months. I am positively enjoying planning my amusements. I have bought knitting wool and paint and have lots of plans for the garden. And so many books to read…
And why are we hearing “social distancing” when we mean “physical distancing?” Social Bonding is more important than ever! I love this, Jean. And btw “flattening the curve” works for me in another way too. A tendency to reach for ice cream to sooth anxiety will remind me that I have a few personal curves that could use a little flattening. (Rhymes with fattening.)
I’m with you Jean Lythcott. I’ve been watching and changing my words for quite sometime now. It does make a difference. Here’s a thought to ponder..in my 8th decade I have eliminated two words. The first is “old” (I hate to even type it). Old implies something that is no long of use…well that just isn’t how I feel. So when I refer to myself and others of my era I use the words “elder” or “mature” or “aging” (we all know aging makes wine, meat and cheese better). And I never use the word “diet.” After all…think about it…it has “die” in it!!! So when referring to my food choices I call them just that “food choices” or I say that isn’t on my “food plan.” Since at 82, I can still walk 2 miles in 30 minutes and have no health issues, see my doctor twice a year whether I need to or not….it seems to be working!! All of you stay well and stay safe out there in elder land.