Practicing Gratefulness

You never know what you have until it’s gone, right? The COVID-19 pandemic has already taken away a lot of things from a lot of people, and it’s not just the freedom to go outside I’m talking about. Everyone is suffering differently. To some people it’s just a storm that they’re waiting out, but for others this is the worst time of their lives. Many people will deal with mental health issues more than anything. From losing jobs & livelihoods, to losing loved ones, the pandemic has already made a huge impact in thousands of people’s lives. And as I’m sitting in my childhood bedroom at my parents’ house, hiding out in the middle of nowhere Southwest Virginia, I am insanely grateful to say that for me, this is just a storm.

But that got me to thinking: in the times where we have been stripped of liberties like going outside when we please and being in close proximity to our friends, there is still so much to be thankful for. I’m a firm believer that in order to get through hard times, you need to hold on to the good things in your life, even if it takes every last bit of strength you have. All is not lost. This, too, shall pass.

So while I’m inconvenienced with the fact that it’s safer for me to be with my parents (it’s been almost three weeks since I’ve come out here now) instead of in my own cozy little apartment in Richmond, I think practicing a bit of gratefulness can go a long way. It definitely puts things into perspective.

Here are 10 things I am grateful for today:

1. I can go outside whenever the f*ck I feel like it. Fresh mountain air, plenty of sunshine, wide open space, and the next sign of human life is our neighbors that live half a mile down the street.
2. Fam time! The whole family was able to spend Easter together, and it’ll be the first time we celebrate Mom’s birthday this weekend together in a very long time. We haven’t spent this much time together since my sister & I were still in high school, and even though they drive me up the wall sometimes, it has been a blessing to have so much quality family time– with tons of board & card games to keep us entertained!
3. There is an endless amount of wine in the downstairs cellar (Thanks, Dad).
4. My guitar can’t catch a break: I’ve been playing almost every day, learning new songs, new skills, and have even been writing a bit of music.
5. I am able to work from home, and even though I’ve been more overwhelmed & swamped than ever before, I am staying busy & am still getting a paycheck. Also the added flexibility has been a major plus.
6. I’ve been baking more! The grandma in me is thriving, to be honest. I’ve had the luxury of using my mom’s kitchen (the kitchen of all kitchens, I promise you) & have even been able to experiment with new flavors and techniques. (I’ll post more on recipes & what goodies I’ve made soon!)
7. My to-read list has been going down. More time to read also gives me a chance to destress after a long day of work. And there is nothing like getting lost in a book.
8. More time with Charlie. The bond has never been stronger, and I definitely don’t mind the occasional cuddle break.
9. Taking time to document the simple things. I’ve been journaling more and even dug out my dad’s old film camera to take pictures. Journaling about my days helped me reflect on how I spent my time. Before coming out to Floyd, I made a point to walk my neighborhood every day and noticed things I had never seen before, so I started taking the film camera with me on my walks. If I have to be in quarantine I might as well try to document the little things that bring joy.
10. I am healthy & I am safe. I cannot express how important those two things have become. Yes, I am high-risk with COVID, and yes, my health is definitely not the best. But I am in the best case scenario– I have a place to stay that keeps me very secluded, and safe from catching the virus.

The world keeps spinning, the bad news doesn’t end, the pandemic will continue making a deep cut into the lives of people all over the world, but the least we can do is hold on to hope & to the simple things that bring us joy. Be grateful for what you still have. We are all in this together.