My intent is not to discount the seriousness of the virus or those who have been affected. My heart aches for those who’ve lost loved-ones and for those suffering through illness alone. However, today I choose to look at the good things that have developed for me through the COVID crisis.
Due to the virus, my last day of work was March 17. Denis, my husband, was ordered to work from home the following Monday. Shortly following the work from home order, he retired. Retirement has been planned for months – it just so happened to be in the midst of a pandemic.
I choose to see my glass half-full instead of half-empty. It’s simply the way I do life. I choose to see the good in most situations – or at least I try hard to. Yes, I have melt-downs and get angry like everyone, but I try hard to find the good in all situations. COVID is no different.
As Denis and I do our best to isolate ourselves, it reminded me of a “snow day” when I was a kid. I grew up in Dallas, TX and snow seldom happened.
I remember one spring day, my mother came to our bedrooms (my 2 brothers and I), and very excitedly said, “Hurry, get up! Come see the snow on the ground!” As we jumped out of bed, she directed us to the living room window. We knew that if there was snow on the ground it meant a SNOW DAY! Snow days mean no school… no going anywhere! Everyone stays home, we play in the snow and if there’s enough of it, we build a small, grass-filled snowman. As we rush to the window and look out, disappointment fills us as mother says, “April Fools”!
Do you know how disappointing that was?
Why am I comparing COVID to a snow day? Snow days allow life to stop for a short time. They give us the opportunity to do the things we’ve put off – sometimes the important things.
Here are some of the good things that have come for me during this time of self-isolation:
- More at-home time.
- More relaxed conversations – deep conversations.
- More time for crafty things – I finished a quilt I started on months ago.
- More time for reflection and focus for my business.
- More family and friend time visiting on Zoom.
- More time for cooking and trying new recipes.
- More time and interest in local and world topics.
- More cards and letters sent.
- More calls to extended family to check on them.
- More deliberate rest.
- More exercise.
- More flowers taken to family-members’ graves.
Yes, this has been an extended time at home – much more than a snow day. However, the good that has come in my life reminds me of the simplicity of a snow day. I’m going to hang on to it.
How are you coping with the isolation? Are you seeing your glass half full? I would love to hear from you. susan@progressivemassagetherapy.com