I continue to remind myself that it’s OK if I don’t know how to feel right now. Every day is different.
Some days, I hop out of bed with so much spark. Other days, it’s a drag (literally). Some days, I blast music and karate-chop my way through a to-do list. Other days, I sit in total silence on my bed, searching the room for a pen to even get started.
I put on jeans twice this week (#winning), but mainly, it’s comfy-couture over here. What we once knew as the “messy bun” has never seen the likes of what I’m rockin’ most days.
The more I hear the term “global pandemic,” the more I think about how this time we’re living in will, one day, hold space in a history book or health textbook. How crazy is that? I can’t help but think about my niece, or even my future children, learning about this time and about the year 2020.
Sure, the textbooks will have all of the facts and figures about COVID-19 at their disposal. However, I’ll have the opportunity to share some of the beautiful, first-hand experiences from this uncertain and scary time.
I’ll have the opportunity to share some of the beautiful, first-hand experiences from this uncertain and scary time.
Like how people showed up stronger for one another. Whether it was through food drives, support groups or a simple nightly applause for front line workers. We came together to spread hope and joy as best we could. We loved people better.
We discovered ways to connect creatively. We relied on Zoom and Youtube for human interaction and our schedules were overwhelmed with opportunities for digital face-to-face time during the week.
Weddings were attended via computer screens or drive-in style. We participated in drive-by birthday processions and baby showers. Virtual happy hours totally became a thing.
From Pre-K to doctoral programs, students became familiar with “distance learning.” Churches expanded beyond the buildings and found ways to reach many hearts and many homes, almost every day of the week.
Margin was created in our lives. The lockdown allowed us to check our priorities and make room for what we truly needed, truly prayed for and truly valued.
The lockdown allowed us to check our priorities and make room for what we truly needed, truly prayed for and truly valued.
We embraced imperfection and uncertainty and learned to find gratitude for leisurely activities that we once took for granted—like sunset walks or family dinners.
I may not be able to verbalize exactly what I’m feeling most days, but I am extra grateful for these beautiful moments that remind me of the importance of this historic time.
What unexpected joys have you found in 2020? How does gratitude change your perspective even when things don’t go according to plan?
Image via Alexa Glazer
