Nothing like a pandemic to force you into a life re-set. My family and I knew how to navigate life before Covid-19; school, work, sports and music lessons, and time with our friends and family. We were often spread thin…too thin. Our google calendars were full of activities, events and places to be. We were busy yet connected. Then life threw us a curve ball.

When social distancing measures took effect in our state, there were a lot of transitions. My division at the hospital transitioned to telework. My husband has teleworked for several years but overnight we transitioned from partners to partners/co-workers. A week later, we added “teacher” to our list of titles when the kids’ schools transitioned to distance learning.

The five of us plus dog were suddenly stuck under the same roof 24 hours a day.  Our dog is living his best life but it was a bit jarring for the rest of us…The kids struggled with missing their friends and teacher. We all struggled with socially isolating and pausing our extracurricular activities. Homeschooling two second graders and a fifth grader brought a whole new meaning to the term “multi-tasking”. My husband and I found ourselves teaching common core math in between conference calls and our own work responsibilities. There were lots of tears; the kids and mine.

We’ve now been living our “new normal” for four months. It can be difficult to find gratitude in the midst of chaos. We’ve encouraged our kids to keep gratitude journals and we started a nightly dinner routine of sharing three things we are each grateful for. These new traditions have helped my family look at our situation thru a more positive lens. When I’m feeling anxiety about the current state of the world, I read through my gratitude journal. It helps me reframe my thoughts and calm my anxiety. Below is a list of a few things I’m grateful for during Covid-19.

• Gratitude for quality time as a family. The time we’ve had to grow and bond as a family has been priceless.
• Gratitude for employment and the availability of social programs such as unemployment for the millions currently out of work due to Covid-19.
• Gratitude for health and access to healthcare.
• Gratitude for all the essential workers; healthcare workers, grocery store employees, gas station attendants, bank employees etc who expose themselves to Covid-19 every day.
• Gratitude for the schools and teachers who had to change their curriculum and teaching methods overnight.
• Gratitude for first responders; the police and firefighters who in the midst of a pandemic are now also navigating through a civil rights movement.
• Gratitude for technology which allows us to see our friends and family from the safety of our computers and cell phones.

What are some things that you are thankful for? Have you started any new traditions with your friends or family?

 

Pictured: Skye + Avy

Photo Cred: Sara Lords

Occasion: School social distancing parade