19 Things We’re Grateful For During COVID-19
Today marks the 50th day that we’ve been sheltering in place. It also marks the day that Allen and I were supposed to be coming back from Portugal, according to our original 2020 itinerary. How plans have changed!
Right now we’re in limbo: desperately wanting to “get back to normal”, yet fearful of rushing into reopening without adequate testing and a solid plan. It’s a stressful time to be alive.
So to keep up our spirits, we compiled 19 things that we’re grateful for during this unprecedented time. We are all incredibly blessed, more blessed than we sometimes realize. Counting blessings reminds us of how much we have, and how much we have to give. If you relate to any of these, please consider checking out and giving back to an organization that helps those in need in that area.
Without any further ado, here’s our list!
Cathy’s List
Our fiddle-leaf fig tree, “Fluffy”, is putting out new leaves!
19. Loved Ones - That my very close family and friends have stayed healthy and safe during this pandemic.
18. Basic Needs - Having basic needs met during this time when so many don’t. Shelter in place would be harder without a roof over our heads. (If you can relate, consider supporting the homeless. St. Vincent De Paul is our neighborhood’s shelter, and they can really use our help.)
17. Things Could Be Worse - Things could still be worse, as far as contagious diseases go. Could you imagine if ebola were a super-spreader? At least we don’t have to worry about compulsive blood vomiting!
16. Home - Without anywhere to go, I’m forced to slow down and really settle into my home and my neighborhood. I don’t think I’ve ever appreciated it more.
15. Art - Having time to dedicate to my artwork. (If you’re into fine art, check out MoMA’s free coursera classes, and consider buying a membership for when their doors open again!)
14. New Hobbies - Seeing many friends exploring new hobbies, making things with their hands, playing and relaxing, enjoying life.
Homemade kumquat preserves, courtesy of the backyard.
13. Environment Benefits - The changes in consumption habits will help save the planet! I’m so inspired to hear about people gardening, upcycling, using less, and reducing waste where they can.
12. The Weather - Springtime is beautiful outside. Sheltering in place is easier with birdsong in the backyard.
11. Historical Significance - What a time to be alive! As a friend reminded me, this is one for the history books. And we’re living it.
Allen’s List
Cathy painted these birds of paradise flowers, inspired by her neighbor’s garden. This painting is called “Towards The Sun”.
10. Health - Above all, I am thankful for my health.
9. Family - Grateful for my family, who have been surprisingly pleasant to shelter-in-place with. I thought it would’ve been more frustrating, but it’s actually going pretty well. (Not everyone has loving families, and abusive families are exacerbated by quarantine. Learn more and spread the word about the national domestic abuse hotline.)
8. Friends - Whom I stay connected with via text, phone, instagram, zoom, line, hangouts, email and technology in general.
7. Internet - For not only is it an endless supply of entertainment and information, it is truly a modern day utility.
6. Local restaurants - Appreciate having delicious food from a variety of cuisines; because we definitely need a changeup from the home cooked meals. (Consider ordering directly from small businesses, to cut out middlemen where possible. And gift cards are a great option to keep your favorite business afloat until their doors can open again.)
5. Amazon & Delivery People - It’s really great how easy it is to buy things and have them shipped to me. And while I know Amazon is the retail monolith that has its faults, it really is easy. (How much should we tip during a pandemic? This article presents a great perspective.)
4. Government and Scientists - For figuring out how to get us out of the crisis.
3. Time and Space - Having a simplified life with few distractions has forced me to evaluate what is important and what I want to do.
2. Cathy - Her passion for art is inspiring, and her support of me is energizing. She adds excitement to my days and serves as an outlet for all my thoughts.
Our Shared Number One
1. Frontline and Essential Works - From healthcare to first responders, to plumbers, telecom, and other infrastructure workers. Thank you for working harder than ever so that we can curb the spread. Thank you for keeping the world running!
