25 Positive Realizations of the COVD-19 Pandemic

And the people stayed home. And read books, and listened, and rested, and exercised, and made art, and played games, and learned new ways of being, and were still.

And listened more deeply. Some meditated, some prayed, some danced. Some met their shadows. And the people began to think differently. And the people healed.

And, in the absence of people living in ignorant, dangerous, mindless, and heartless ways, the earth began to heal. And when the danger passed, and the people joined together again, they grieved their losses, and made new choices, and dreamed new images, and created new ways to live and heal the earth fully, as they had been healed.

Kitty O’Meara

Well ya’ll. We survived week one of the quick COVID-19 spiral here in Michigan.

At the time of this publishing, we have more than 1,000+ cases in Michigan, and that number is rapidly increasing. The only way we can get that number to flatten is by staying home. If you’re like me, that may feel like your walls are closing in.

Thankfully, I’ve been trying to incorporate plenty of self-care to my days to help my brain re-focus on what’s important, and right now that’s keeping others safe. I feel grateful to have children that force me to put on my big girl pants and stay strong. They are so resilient!

While doom feels inevitable some days with concern for people and our healthcare system, there are so many positives to this as well.

I implore you to try your best to focus on the good happening around us each day. Start journaling daily on what you’re feeling, and start with a list of things you are grateful for. Listen to my friend’s daily 5-minute podcast Mental Health Moments with Tara. It will help keep your mindset positive, I promise!

With the help of my friends, I’ve come up with a list of silver linings through all of this.

25 Positive Realizations of the COVD-19 Pandemic

• Increased sibling bonding.
• Opportunity to teach our children life skills without the pressure of needing to be somewhere {we’ve been rotating kids with who helps make meals here and they love it}.
• More home-cooked meals versus eating out.
• Pollution problems clearing a bit {such as in the Venice canals}.
• LOTS more outdoor play.
• Pets are getting so much attention! {If you are able to foster a pet, now would be a great time for those of us working from home. Two of my favorite rescues are Paws for Life and Always Hope}.
• Companies are getting SO creative with how they work.
• People are showing SO much compassion for each other by sharing goods and helping those in need {i.e. blood donations and the sewers of the world making safety masks for hospitals}.

More positive points shared by my Facebook friends:

• Kids are being more creative to entertain and learn. ~ Kalyn
• Checking in on family more often. ~ Katie
• Sitting down at the table for dinner. ~ Beth
• With the lack of having to leave the house, it’s made for a more relaxed environment. I find myself more patient and much calmer! ~ Erin
• Making memories! ~ Holly
• I get to see my husband more. I appreciate the opportunity for phone conversations with my friends. We are using toys and crafts that we normally just don’t have time to enjoy like we want to! ~ Stephanie
• Friends reaching out. ~ Elizabeth
• I have seen more neighbors out walking then I ever have in the past. ~ Kelly
• Despite having no physical contact, I feel more connected globally than ever. All earthlings are in this together! ~ Meredith
• I have been inspired by my son’s perseverance that I am finding it easier to focus on the now.
• We’ve ordered pizzas to go to the ER night shift tonight. ~ Marsha
• The bond the kids are making because they only have each other to play with right now. And wine. ~ Kim
• Our neighborhood has put together a weekly theme of drawings/decorations to put in our windows. The families can walk around and see all the artistic creations. ~ Nikki
• The not rushed mornings allow for baking bread, enjoying meals together and working together. ~ Cathy
• There is a new appreciation for various jobs from teachers to healthcare providers. I would even include librarians and sales associates at retail stores. ~ Kelly
• I love lunch with my kiddos, recess with my kiddos, watching them be silly together and also peanut butter back on the menu. (LOL) ~ Erin
• I have appreciated our teachers continuing to engage our school community by posting resources. The good in the world is rising to the top and is much more apparent in this time of crises. ~ Jess

Drop me a comment — what positive things have you seen happening?