We, Us, Ours: Caring About Others

In this age of The Coronavirus, people world-wide are sacrificing themselves in the name of the greater good. Doctors, nurses, teachers, supermarket workers—the list goes on—give freely of themselves without expectation of personal gain, to save lives. 

With that said, it is not surprising that one of the world’s largest coronavirus hot spots is the United States with over seven million confirmed cases of Covid-19. For Americans, individualism is engrained in our cultural psyche, making our citizens prioritize themselves over a group or individuals. In other words, American individualistic culture motivates people to put their personal needs ahead of anyone else’s. 

To prevent the novel coronavirus from spreading and taking more lives, government officials have ordered a lock-down on its citizens, mandated the wearing of protective masks, and closed down non-essential businesses. Though these demands are scientifically sound, hundreds of protesters, some even armed, have stormed state capitols to challenge strict stay-at-home orders. 

Cindy Rehwald, a Sherman Oaks small business owner, is fed up with this kind of mind set, so she started a social organization she’s dubbed, “We, Us, Ours.” She says, “It’s not really an organization, but a movement to bring awareness to relationships promoting kindness and positive connections. 

She said, “The idea came to me when I had to constantly remind my boyfriend that we were partners.” She told the man their relationship wasn’t about me or him, but about “We, Us, Ours.” Rehwald said, “I drew a design with a circle on the outside encompassing a heart with the words, ‘We, Us, Ours.’” She showed this logo to her partner, with little effect. Unsurprisingly, the couple broke up, but she figured, “if I have this issue in my relationship, others must as well.”

During the pandemic, Rehwald believes her We, Us, Ours movement is relevant. She says, “We are all in this together, so being reminded to stay well, safe, and connected are very important messages. She would like to see everyone follow health official guidelines for keeping us well and safe. She says, “Taking care of each other as much as possible is imperative.” 

The “We, Us, Ours” movement encourages Americans to be selfless and less selfish. Under close analysis, healthy lives are those that stay connected and involved in the lives of others. But during this Pandemic, how is that possible?  Many people are feeling anxious and fearful for their health. Or frustrated with the uncertainties of the unknown. Things just feel out of sorts. And the loneliness of staying cooped up at home for such a long period of time can get on anyone’s nerves. Rehwald suggests you call, email, or text loved ones and find out how they’re coping with the quarantine. When people discuss their feelings, they tend to feel a lot better. 

You can also explore ways to connect and volunteer virtually, give blood to the American Red Cross, make a donation to a worthwhile charitable cause, or just thank people on the front lines—domestic workers, nurses, police officers, and firemen—for the wonderful job they’re doing. 

On Rehwald’s Facebook page for “We, Us, Ours,” you will find a philosophy of love, caring, and a need for all of us to improve our society. 

She also has merchandise with the “We, Us, Ours” logo on pins, t-shirts, and tote bags. Her newest item, unsurprisingly, is a black facemask. If you’d like to contact Cindy Rehwald you can do so at [email protected] or visit the website at: https://weusours.com. 

It may take another eight months for a safe vaccine to be produced to help our bodies fight Covid-19, and when it is, we can return to our pre-coronavirus lives.  However, after all of this is over, hopefully, the majority of us will have learned that what really matters is how we treat each other.