It is amazing how life has changed so much because of this pandemic. So many long held traditions, livelihoods, and everyday practices have been impacted by COVID-19. While few of us are pleased with these changes, the changes have definitely included some positive changes as well has difficult changes.
As I look ahead and think about the days to come, I am thinking about the revision necessary to continue to live well, sustain relationships, and move in a direction that spells happiness and good living today and into the future.
Family
My immediate family of young adults is spread out. During a pandemic, this is difficult because travel and getting together is difficult. Typically we would meet now and then for a nice dinner at a restaurant or someone's home, but that's more challenging due to social distancing needs. So in the days ahead, I'll have to think more carefully about how we can make these get-togethers a reality. As I think of this, I am thinking about the holidays. It's likely that the holidays will be different this year--I want to think creatively about this with my family in the weeks to come.
Health and Happiness
There have been a number of good stories on television about people who are focusing on health and happiness during this time. I want to focus on activities that are healthy and activities that make us happy too. As many are doing, getting outside to hike, bike, and explore brings health and happiness. Cooking creatively and healthily is another way to create health and happiness. Reorganizing one's home can provide spaces and motivation for healthy activities such as reading great books, writing wonderful stories and essays, making crafts, and watching quality films and documentaries. If safely planned and prepared for, there is opportunity for travel too--not the spontaneous travel of the past, but some adventure nevertheless.
Building for the Future
What can you do today to be stronger for post-pandemic days? What promise lies in the limitations and rules that exist? For all of us, there's the opportunity to read more--reading is good for all of us in so many ways. There's the opportunity to update our family meal menus, daily routines, and knowledge that will serve our health and happiness well. This is also a good time to reach out to those you love and care for in significant ways that may be as simple as a hand written note or more complex such as a special pandemic-friendly celebration. As you think about the future, it's important to think about strengthening relationships, updating your home, elevating your professional/work skills, and building your knowledge repertoire. All of these activities will serve you well in post-pandemic days.
These pandemic days require good thinking, revision, and an open mind. These days are often challenging, but there is promise, and we must seek that promise in this challenge.