We are now going on 6+ weeks of working from home, schooling from home, and just staying home and social distancing ourselves. While there are definitely good days and bad, I have taken this time to reflect upon a number of areas in my life. I realize that I don’t need a lot of “things” in my life. Instead, I am focusing on the intrinsic parts of life and practicing self-gratitude for what I do have.
I am thankful for my immediate family that I get to spend my 24/7 with. There are so many people out there that are alone, and I cannot imagine going through this without my husband and my daughter. They keep me smiling even on days when I do not feel like smiling. I am grateful for those hugs and kisses that keep me going. I am also thankful for FaceTime, Zoom, and the other apps that help keep me connected to other family and friends. It is nice to be able to not only pick up the phone and hear a comforting voice but to be able to see them (albeit via technology) is a great option.
I am thankful for my faith and spirituality. During these times of uncertainty, it is easy to become doubtful, but my faith and spirituality keep me grounded and hopeful that there will be a light at the end of this tunnel. When I feel down, I try and pray or meditate to bring peace to myself, and often it does help me focus and regain my mindset.
I am thankful for food and shelter. I may be in an apartment right now, but I am grateful that we have a roof over our head and a place to rest and call our home during this time. Despite wanting a larger home for us, I realize it is not something that I need, but rather want. I am thankful that I do not have to worry about where my next meal comes from, and yes, while I complain about cooking all the time, I am thankful that my dilemma is usually what to cook, not where it will come from.
I am thankful for nature. This is my saving grace. Sometimes fresh air is the best medicine. And maybe this is just what our earth needs to help us clean it up from all the daily pollutants that damage it on a pre-social distancing daily basis. On those rainy days, when we cannot go outside, I especially look forward to those days when the sun is out shining, and we get to enjoy some fresh air and the abundance of parks not far from us (of course, practicing social distancing). I think about my friends and family in the city that cannot even leave their apartments, and I feel for them.
I am thankful for my health and my family’s health. We are all healthy, even if apart. I am grateful for the strength that I have each day to exercise or move in some way. It not only keeps me sane but also grounded.
For all these things I am thankful for, and when I start to get down, I realize that my situation is not that bad after all.
