COVID-19 Lessons

We have 3 weeks of shelter-in-place under our belts now.  Three weeks of remote learning.  Three weeks of Zach heading into the basement each day for work.  Three weeks of Zoom get-togethers and google duo video chats in lieu of in-person social engagement.  Three weeks of not playing with friends, not attending any activities, not having anything on the calendar.  Three weeks of keeping an eye on the news and watching as COVID-19 continues to rapidly spread throughout our community, throughout our state, throughout our country, throughout our world.  Three weeks of doing our part to keep ourselves and our community as safe as possible.

With three weeks under our belt, I've learned some valuable lessons about myself and about our family during this time.

1.  As we have had to rely more on technology for interaction, I've become acutely aware of how technologically challenged I am.

2.  Trying to help Staley with some of her schoolwork has taught me that third grade math might be my ceiling.  There have been several instances where she's asked me to check her work and I need to defer to Zach.

3.  I've realized that my favorite wardrobe choices have ample use during quarantine life--stretchy pants, comfy sweatshirts, and headbands are all I've worn for the past 3 weeks.

4.  I've come to appreciate how well my kids play together and how much they enjoy each other all the more now that the only playmates they have are each other.

5.  It's amazing how I can be a much more relaxed mother when we never have to worry about getting anywhere at a certain time.

6.  No schedule + always being home = plenty of time for home projects...and plenty more opportunities to look around our home and put more projects on the list.

7.  Having a running partner since last summer has really increased my consistency with running.  Having a running partner AND having all this free time means I'm in the best shape I've been in for at least the past 12 years.

8.  The start of spring weather has made everything SO much better.  Social distancing is way more tolerable when we can be outside enjoying beautiful spring days.

9.  Although COVID-19 has brought so much suffering for so many, both physically and economically, it has also brought good with it.  I see families spending so much quality time together, individuals finding time for exercise and health, communities rallying together in support of one another, teachers embracing a new way to reach their students, people reconnecting with old friends, and everyone being forced to slow down and take life one day at a time.  Although this is not how any of us would have planned it, there is good that can come from this worldwide pandemic.

10.  The most valuable lesson I've learned is that there is no one I'd rather be stuck at home with than my family.  Sure we've had our moments, but the fun we've had and the quality time we've shared is something I will always cherish when I think back on this time.  I have truly loved our opportunity to slow down and just be together.

This is life right now...and there is a lot to love about it!