While we’re all handling this in our own individual ways, with our own unique ups and downs, we are all going through the same thing. Of course not all in the same way, some of us are at home while others are out putting themselves and their families at risk for all of us. But no matter who we are, what we do, where we live, or how we live, we are all equally vulnerable. This is not different from any grieving process, the loss of life how we once knew it, the fear and uncertainty that lies ahead. But as with any grieving process, any challenge that we face in life, we learn that the only thing we can really do is Find The Positive! Sometimes we don’t understand why things are happening or we have a difficult time accepting that they’re happening. We can’t dwell on that. We have to try to let go of the things we can’t control. We have to focus on everything we have to be grateful for. We have to think about how to use this to be better people, to learn from it. Sometimes things happen to wake us up and make us realize what’s really important in life because everything can change in a split second, literally.
“This Too Shall Pass” was my mom’s favorite saying and I can’t tell you how often I can hear her voice offering that reassurance. Nothing is forever. Nothing stays the same. While we are all experiencing some degree of physical loneliness, unable to be with loved ones, at the same time it’s comforting to know that we aren’t alone. We are all going through this together. This isn’t usually the case when we go through life’s challenges. So how is this going to change us? How is this going to make us better people? First, it makes us realize how precious, fragile, and short life is. It makes us realize the importance of taking care of ourselves, making our health a priority, and preventing underlying conditions and diseases that can make us more vulnerable, and at risk. It puts everything in perspective, it has forced us to slow down and cherish time with family and loved ones, even if it’s virtually, from a distance, or over the phone. My teenage daughter asked “Mom, can you imagine if this happened before internet?” And she’s right, we are very lucky to have all of these options of communication, but at the same time it has also given our kids a newfound appreciation for “real” human contact as well. It has hopefully made us more compassionate and thoughtful towards all living creatures. We will be more mindful of germs and protecting those around us. It has given us a new, immeasurable, appreciation for healthcare workers and all of the other essential employees that are out there everyday for all of us. We will never again take for granted the simplest things in life like being able to go to the grocery store and purchase basic necessities. And when we do, we will be more mindful of the hands that made it, the hands that delivered it, and the hands that stocked it. We will also appreciate our own jobs more and realize how lucky we are to have them and be able to do them. We can all Find a New Inner Strength and Inner Peace that will make us all Better People. And for that, we should all be very thankful.
