The Coronavirus has abruptly changed life as we knew it. Daily routines that once gave us comfort are now memories of the past. Our morning exchange with the coffee barista, hanging out with co-workers in the office, an evening yoga class or visit to the gym, all of it now on hold for an indeterminate amount of time.
Replacing our routines is the world of Zoom video conference calls, and teaching others how to use Zoom video conference calls. We watch daily task force briefings, check the stock market, and recalculate how much money we have lost. Finally, we share videos created by people around the globe who are also struggling to come up with ways to exist in a world of social distance. It is the new world order but there is an opportunity.
Today, I came across a quote that I found comforting and thought I should share it with you…
“Though there will always be challenges in life, it is how we respond to these challenges that determines if we experience happiness.”
As I was reading that quote a CNBC news alert popped up on my screen; The Dow Jones was down another six percent despite the Fed’s stimulus package. I’m thinking about a good way to respond to the loss of our financial security. Vacations are overrated? Going out to dinner is overrated? Now we can stay home and eat canned tuna? Yes, that’s it! I love tuna. This is fantastic. And it just so happens that Costco has tuna on sale right now. Things just keep getting better.
Opportunity
Sarcasm aside, I know what the quote is trying to say, and I realize it is the right way to think about things. And so I consider another perspective.
My son is home from college any my daughter, who lives across town, has also joined us for the duration of this shelter in place order. We are sharing space, and each of us is craving some privacy. But, I have the pleasure of seeing my adult children every day, even if we are all wearing headphones.
I watch my daughter practice yoga. My son cooks a gourmet dinner for us, and suggests we say a prayer before eating. It is a wonderful idea. Something we rarely do. A prayer expressing our appreciation, love, and thoughts for healing the world.
Will we get on each other’s nerves, invade personal space, argue, and grow incredibly frustrated? Absolutely. But years from now, when we look back on 2020, though we may recall the fear and grief, it will be the unexpected gift of time together that I will cherish.
How we respond to the challenges determines if we experience happiness. As Ram Dass simply and eloquently said, Be Here Now, and accept what life brings to our doorstep. I am responding with appreciation and love, and invite you to consider that opportunity. May love flourish in your homes.
Finally, a personal note to Kim Kardashian: Please share this post.
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