Pandemic Positivity

I bet you read the title and thought - what is she on? But read on and hear me out… 

Recently it has become impossible to read the news and look at the case numbers without going into a state of overwhelming anger, despair, helplessness that causes me to spiral into a state of negativity. 

After a few meltdowns, I’ve gotten tired of my negativity, and I think I’ve finally moved to a state of acceptance. As if I am grieving the loss of what could have been all of this time in isolation and after going through Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, I am finally at the 5th stage of grief - acceptance. 

What if I shifted my mindset. Instead of focusing on the things, I am missing out on or the possibilities of what could have been if life was “normal.” I just accepted that this is the status quo? 

Accept that this is how life will be and make the most out of it. Strip off all of the expectations I have of my life and start anew. 

Will I feel liberated?

Will I be able to look at everything with a fresh pair of eyes?

Painful as it is, the truth is we may never go back to the way things were. But, it is ok - if human evolution has taught us anything, we have always evolved and will thrive in whatever state our world will become. 

But I’ve decided that the best course of action is not to wait for that “future day” before I start living vs. just existing. I should start now. 

Yes, the pandemic is horrible but as the saying goes, “is the glass half empty or half full?” I’ve realized that I can choose to focus on the positivities this pandemic has brought for me, such as...

• It has helped me spend quality time with my family

• Spend less on materialistic items and start saving more

• To appreciate the everyday joys - a homecooked meal, a warm cup of coffee, the ability to work in my PJs 

• It has given me time for self-reflection (i.e., start this blog)

The journey of focusing on the positive side of the pandemic is not going to be an easy one, but I hope to continue trying and, if I stumble, to try the next day again.

Join me?