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The sweat is streaming down my back.

I’m breathless, heart pumping.

When we look back on all of this, what will be the defining memories we hold close? Not the hours we spent watching reruns of American Horror Story. Not the high score we achieved on Panda Pop. I sincerely hope it won’t be the fear or anxiety we felt, or the friends we lost.

I hope it’ll be that first virtual dance party – throwing my body around my bedroom to a set list of Whitney and Gaga, seeing my gym buddies’ beautiful, joyful faces, laughing at the nuttiness of it all, and feeling a sense of pure exhilaration rising with every heartbeat.

I’ll remember surprising a friend with a virtual dinner party, then revealing the video we’d made, each of us singing a part of I Will Always Love You, messages of solidarity resounding from New York to Sydney, Australia.

I’ll remember the dressing up days with girlfriends on Facebook – Wedding Wednesday, Halloween Thursday, Flapper Friday – all an excuse to shower, put on some make-up, and wear something other than sweats.

I’ll remember the long video conversations, connecting with friends and family across the globe, laughing and crying and drinking in our shared experience and being real with each other. 

I’ll remember that, when the shit truly hit the fan; when the outward trappings of wealth or status or anything else ceased to be important, what really counted – the most valuable commodity of all – was community.

In these days of social isolation, hold your friends (virtually) close. Call them often. Be creative. Host movie nights, and happy hours, and cooking shows, and (as one reader revealed yesterday) sex parties. 

And, when this is over, hug them hard. They’re what really matter.

SHARE WITH A FRIEND
If this newsletter has brought you some light relief, helped you feel more connected to your community, or informed you in some way in these dark days, please tell your friends, and ask them to subscribe. Isolation doesn’t have to feel lonely. We see you, New York. Phil will be with you tomorrow.  Stay tuned!

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MEET TIM
Tim is the head of security at the National Cowboy Museum. But when it closed down amid the Coronavirus crisis, he was put in charge of social media. Spoiler alert: Tim doesn’t know the first thing about social media. And the feed could be about the most charming thing I’ve seen in months. I think I love Tim.

STARS – THEY’RE JUST LIKE US
Except with slides for stairs, as we’ve discovered since watching The Tonight Show: At Home Edition. There are few things more adorable than watching Jimmy Fallon attempt to give his opening monologue while his youngest daughter is crawling all over his face. 

And, meet Anthony Hopkins, playing the piano for his cat, Niblo. Adorable.

DON’T CLIMB THE WALLS – DO THESE THINGS INSTEAD

Spring Sunday
In case you hand’t noticed, it’s spring! Rockefeller Center has moved its family music, performance, and entertainment activities online. You can find puppet shows, book readings, and art workshops, starting 11am tomorrow, on its Facebook and Instagram pages.

Patient, heal thyself
Yay, Manhattan Plaza Health Club! While we’re being deprived of our in-person wellness, its massage therapists are jumping online to provide free centering, stress relief, and more. First up, Rising Star Healing System. For a complimentary intro session via phone or webcam, email kbernhardt@mphc.com.

Read that book
There’s really no excuse, now that The National Emergency Library is stocked with more than a million free books. Where to begin?

Join Oprah at a dance party
DJ D-Nice is a bona fide global phenomenon, with fans including Michelle Obama and Oprah, after his Club Quarantine went viral. The IG Live session attracts thousands of viewers, and guest “appearances” from people like John Legend, Common, and – um – Joe Biden. To catch a live stream, you’ll have to follow him on IG. 

Tonight is Earth Hour
Switch off your lights between 8.30pm and 9.30pm. I mean, come on, what else are you going to be doing?

NAME GAME
OK, tell me, what’s your name, and what’s your #1 music track to dance to by yourself?

I’ll start. Hi team, I’m Ruth, and I can’t NOT dance to Wham’s Edge of Heaven.

You’re up next!

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