With all the difficulty that the coronavirus pandemic has brought to the forefront, it can be challenging to stay hopeful. That's why many neighbors across the US have set out to inspire others by posting uplifting signs around the town. Whether it's a simple "be well" written in chalk on the sidewalk or a balcony banner thanking emergency care providers, these signs help to restore some faith in humanity. Read on to see what uplifting messages have resulted from the coronavirus pandemic.
Everything Will Be OK
Fox 5 Atlanta reported that this message was written on the Spruill Center for the Arts in Dunwoody back in 2009. Though it wasn't written specifically for the pandemic, it now has taken on a more relevant significance.
Townspeople have posted the motto on their car bumpers, in their yards, and on their walls and coffee mugs. During this trying time, one citizen printed off the phrase on signs that he displayed next to roads to encourage drivers.
Thank You Healthcare Workers!
This banner appeared in Times Square on March 22, 2020. New York was the first state to reach a very high number of coronavirus cases in the US, which loans this sign a profound amount of significance.
The message thanking healthcare workers is flanked by two Stars of Life, an emergency medical symbol. It can be humbling to remember that hospital workers are the superheroes of the community during a time like this.
You Are Not A Number
This image shows an Oakland resident by the name of Eric Drake holding up a sign for passengers aboard the Grand Princess cruise ship. The ship docked at the Port of Oakland on March 9, 2020.
The sign welcomes the more than 3,000 passengers home and reassures them that they are not merely a number. The message is much needed to those who were stuck at sea due to coronavirus outbreaks on cruise ships.
To Everyone Fighting, THANK YOU!!
This colorful sign was posted in the window of someone's home in New York. The photograph was taken on March 25, 2020, and acknowledges grocers, first responders, pharmacists, couriers, DSNY, healthcare workers, and all others who are involved in the fight against coronavirus.
A little rainbow drawn in the corner of the poster and matching color scheme is symbolic since rainbows appear after the rain. It's a nice reminder to be grateful for all of those who have done their best to keep the country afloat.
Share The Love
This roadside sign was posted in a spot that drivers would be likely to see: beneath the speed limit. While some of the text is a little too small to easily read, what really pops out is the large "LOVED" written in purple.
The rest of the sign reads "Check on your neighbor's dog. Just say 'How are you.' A note, a wave, a smile. It makes people feel loved." The message encourages us to stick together.
Help Yourself To Some Lemons
A resident posted this note atop a bowl of lemons placed in a communal area of San Ramon, California. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a shortage of certain foods, so this neighbor offered what they could to others: lemons.
Of all the items they could have contributed, it being lemons seems like a symbol of the saying, "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade." The act of kindness is a reminder to contribute whatever you can to help others.
Happy Birthday!
This image shows a trail of cars wishing someone a happy birthday in Stamford, Connecticut. A neighborhood organization arranged to have as many neighbors as were willing drive past the home with birthday signs.
They were acknowledging the third birthday of a little boy in the neighborhood. Since social distancing has left many deprived of birthday parties, this was a thoughtful way to show they care. The thoughtful act inspires others to find creative ways to respect pandemic guidelines while still spreading the love.
Thank You Emergency Care Providers
This banner was hung from a balcony at a high-rise apartment building in Florida. It uses shorthand to thank emergency healthcare workers. It includes the emergency care symbol, which is an adaptation of the Rod of Asclepius.
In Greek mythology, the serpent-entwined rod was used by a deity who was believed to be responsible for healing and medicine. The symbol also has wings like that of an angel. It's a necessary reminder of medical professionals who have risked their lives to fight the pandemic.
Bee Nice! Bee Smart!
This sign was present at a Farmer's Market in Mar Vista, California on March 22, 2020. It asks attendees to keep everyone safe and the market open by remaining six feet "ahead of the problem." The phrase puts a positive spin on the distancing rule.
At the bottom, the sign adds, "Bee Nice! Bee Smart!!" The image of a bee and the purposeful misspelling makes the sign feel more cutesy and less demanding while encouraging others to abide by the rules.
Teddy Bear Hunt
This sign was hung in someone's window and encourages those walking by to try to spot the teddy bears in the window. The "teddy bear hunt" has been popping up in various neighborhoods around the world as a way to keep children entertained while they are stuck at home.
Canadian journalist and mother Daniele Hamamdjian tweeted about the difficulty of explaining to her four-year-old that they can't have playdates for the time being. She went on to thank the person who created the teddy bear hunt for providing a fun and safe distraction.
We Will Get By
These signs were boarded to a shop in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district. The message is written in large, red letters on two wooden boards so that it very pops, even against the colorful Love N Haight shop.
It encourages passersby that we will survive, likely referring to humanity as a whole. Though the pandemic has made it more difficult for many to get by, this message reminds us to stay hopeful about a better tomorrow.
This Is Just Intermission
Paramount Theatre in Seattle posted this clever message on their marquee. The image was captured on March 20, 2020. Being that Washington's number of coronavirus cases quickly rose around that time, we're sure that this lighthearted message was appreciated.
The sign refers to the pandemic as a being an intermission, and encourages residents that the theater will "see them soon." It suggests that the historical moment will be, hopefully, be over sooner than later.
Don't Let The World Change Your Smile
This is one of a few signs posted in a Delaware neighborhood in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The creator had the clever idea to place the paper sign in a large Ziploc bag to protect it from the rain.
It reminds passersby to keep smiling through these trying times and to not let the struggle get the best of them. In faint, tan lettering below, it reads "Please take a minute to smile. We'll get through it together!!"
Smile At Strangers
Another Delaware sign was posted on a tree near a paved trail. It's a clever spot to post a message of encouragement since going on a walk is one of the few outdoor activities some residents have been able to continue doing.
The sign instructs people to smile at one another, make eye contact, and say hello. In the midst of social distancing, the message reminds us to still engage with one another on an emotional level.
Do Small Things With Great Love
The neighbor who posted this sign in Delaware's Wilmington Triangle used a plastic paper cover to shield the message from the rain and two pushpins to fix it to a tree branch.
It displays a Mother Teresa quote about putting "great love" into even the smallest of tasks. Whether it's offering lemons to neighbors or putting a teddy bear in the window, a little bit goes a long way in the most difficult of times.
Be Well
Sidewalk drawings have a way of making people feel at home. During trying times, these sentimental feelings are especially welcome. This adorable drawing shows a bee over the word "well" for a cute twist on the thoughtful message.
With such a serious event as a pandemic, it can be a welcome relief to see something with such a lighthearted tone. While it's important to understand the gravity of the situation, child-like messages like this one can help assuage overwhelming feelings.
Six Feet
In the US, a six feet rule was implemented to ensure that people are at a safe distance from one another to discourage the spread of COVID-19. Such restrictions can feel uncomfortably surreal, but this sidewalk drawing puts an adorable twist on the rule.
The artist drew three pairs of footprints and indicated that they add up to equal six feet. The sizes of each pair get progressively smaller to imply that they are a family's feet.
We Will Overcome
This message reads "we will overcome" in bright, pink letters. A chalk-drawn sun was also drawn in the top, left corner and has sunbeams that extend towards the text.
The bright colors emit a happy tone that can be hard to remember to hang on to during a worldwide crisis. Watching the number of cases rise can make it feels as though the problem will never be over, but everyone's efforts are what bring us that much closer to overcoming.
Here Comes The Sun
The coronavirus pandemic rose to international prominence as America's winter was fading into spring. This means that many are staying indoors amid the weather warming up and the sun returning to neighborhoods.
It can be easy to forget to be grateful for the little things, like the sunshine. This message both reminds us of spring and has symbolic value. The returning sun is a sign of hope, reminding us that better days are on their way.
Look For The Helpers
A passerby captured this image on March 18, 2020, to showcase the theater marquee's hopeful message. The theater marquee in Bloomington, Indiana displays a famous quote from Mr. Rogers that offers his mother's words of wisdom.
It states that as a little boy, Roger's mother would reassure him when he was scared by telling him to "look for the helpers" as you will "always find people who are helping." The message reminds us that where there are helpers, there is hope.
