The Bright Side

The last week has been strange.

I’ve intentionally avoided writing about it- I’m not a medical professional, or an expert in public health or policy. Or, anything, really.

I’ve been confused by the incredible discrepancy between how our friends and neighbors have interpreted the best course of action: some have vowed to only leave home when absolutely necessary while others are sharing pictures on airplanes to vacations with their children. We’ve been torn; but if I had to describe our stance, it would be somewhere in between.

We haven’t been going out to restaurants; but we do go to the grocery store. We stay home, for the most part; but we also go to our neighbors’ yards for playdates. We’re cautious, and optimistic; we keep our distance when interacting with others.

And while I know this pandemic has created so much devastation and sadness and sparked so much anxiety for so many; it has also sparked so many incredible, positive shifts. And I see more and more every day:

I’ve seen young people taking extra special care of the old- dropping groceries and cooking them meals and asking what they need. Shouldn’t we do this anyway?

I’ve seen people focusing on their health; cooking nutritious, immunity boosting food and taking supplements. Shouldn’t we do this anyway?

I’ve been checking in on relatives I don’t speak to nearly enough. Shouldn’t we do this anyway?

I’ve been mindful of waste. We’ve been eating leftovers. We’ve been using only what we need. Shouldn’t we do this anyway?

I’ve noticed an open conversation about mental health and anxiety and strangers asking each other if they’re OK. Shouldn’t we do this anyway?

We’ve been supporting local businesses and those in need in any way that we can. Shouldn’t we do this anyway?

We’ve been praising doctors and nurses and all of the brave and hardworking men and women on the front lines. Shouldn’t we do this anyway?

We’ve been continuing our girl’s education at home- reinforcing her fine and gross motor skills; reading books; researching projects we can do with her to keep her mind working. Shouldn’t we do this anyway?

We’ve been playing outside; in the fresh air. We’ve been more connected with nature. We’ve been grateful for the beautiful weather and clean air. Shouldn’t we do this anyway?

We’ve been washing our hands. For twenty seconds. With warm water. Shouldn’t we do this anyway?

Only time will tell how long era time of social distancing will last; what the next steps are; how this will unfold. But of one thing I’m sure- I hope all these tiny shifts in our world, all the good I’ve seen, will stay.

As I always say: this life can be messy and hard and scary; but if we look hard, we can find the beauty in it. It’s there.