We have been going through some difficult months this year. For many of us, they have probably been some of those pivotal moments in history whereby we think about our lives pre and post this event.

One of those big monumental events in my life has been 9/11.  Yes, these past few months have the same effect on my life. They are hard, uncertain, trying, unheard of… you can just imagine other adjectives.

If we turn our minds away from the sadness of lives irrevocably changed because of illness and death, there are a few positive, life-changing lessons taking place.

Finding Good Things in a Pandemic

Stronger Family Units and Better Connections with Our Loved Ones

Our family dynamics changed. Many, many people are working harder to commit more time to those they love using technology like Zoom, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Facetime. They are not only connecting virtually, especially when they live at long distances, but they are also putting down their phones, turning off the TV, sitting down at dinner tables, taking walks together, or simply talking. Families have re-discovered spending time together, playing board games and cards, having dance parties, taking a stroll, or cooking meals together.

Taking care of neighbors and friends

We have all reached out to family members and friends. Even those who we did not talk in a while. We just want to make sure that everybody we know remains healthy and happy. So, reaching out to those around us has become a common thing to do. I see so many frequent stories of neighbors providing groceries for an elderly friend, kids painting pictures to distribute, or a phone call to check on someone who needs a smile. People have dusted off their sewing machines and made cloth masks, not for profit, but because there are a need and a desire to help others.

Less frivolous spending and generous donations

Now that we have more time on our hands because of social distancing, I am sure many of us went through our homes and did some decluttering. How many bags with donations did you fill-up?

Without stores and restaurants open where we can spend our time and money, many of us have been discovering we can be creative with food preparation and simply enjoying what they already own.

People are committing money to outreach programs, food banks, and multiple charities.

Looking for joy and humor

Don’t you find it strange that you can walk into a bank with a mask on and no one looks twice at you? I find it really strange…even hilarious to a point. It was so unexpectedly true it made me laugh out loud.

Or, how about all the memes or not on social media about masks, wearing a mask, PPE, some true situations, and some that were just made up, but totally hilarious!?!

There are many ways to find a smile in some of our hard times. It does not mean we care less about those we lost, or choose to ignore suffering, it just means we are alive and human and trying to do the best we can. So, my wish for you is to have many good belly laughs. You will find it healing!