Being Grateful in Uncertain Times

So all of us have survived the change in the year to 2021, the year we all hoped would come quickly. Why? So that we can leave Covid-19, political unrest, and solitary living behind us. So here we are in a new year and what has changed?

Only six days into the year and we have experienced riots and tragedy at the White House. Again, people who were once friends fighting each other because of political views on social media as well as in public. At the end of the day, is this what we are all about? Let’s think about this. What is important to us in our everyday lives.

Let’s think about being grateful for what we have instead of fighting with others over the actions of uncaring politicians, who do not reflect our ideals, morals and the way we want to live our lives. Sometimes I wish I could go back to when times were peaceful, people enjoyed each other’s company and we lived life with hope and dreams. We have lost so much this year that I hope we all take time to be grateful for:

1. The people we love in our lives.

When we stayed home for months on end, we missed the very important people that made up the fabric of our lives. We instead used Facetime, Zoom and other means of technology to stay in touch and let our loved ones know that we were there and that we would be together soon.

2. Our children and families.

Many of us went without seeing our children, our grandchildren and our extended family while in lockdown. We missed annual reunions, graduation and christening parties, and just sharing a dinner together for a birthday or just because. We knew that once this lockdown ended, we would be together and be able to make up for lost time. Most important was that we were being careful not to spread the virus to those we loved.

3. The beauty that surrounds us in nature that we often take for granted.

Have you often stopped to look at the view outside your window, or down the road while taking a walk? Perhaps in the past we took this for granted but as we became used to isolation, these visions became much more important to us. Take a deep breath and take in the beauty around you. We must be grateful that we can enjoy nature and the unique visions it brings to us. Let us keep this going even after we are done with lockdown.

4. Our health if we have been protected from Covid and other life-altering illnesses.

Many of us have been lucky to have not contracted the virus and we should continue to be careful until this is firmly behind us. Wearing a mask is the least we can do to protect ourselves and each other. We will soon be returning to our regular physical exams and routine checkups which we have put on hold. Always remember that if you are not feeling well, there are still doctors available. Do not ignore signs of illness because you are afraid of Covid. Seek help when needed.

5. Our homes where we have spent the last ten months, often in solitude.

Most of us have been in our homes for almost 10 months, leaving for the grocery store, to pick up the occasional dinner and perhaps for a haircut. Other than that, we have been secluded. Hopefully we used this time to make our space more comfortable, more organized and feel more like a place we don’t mind being in. Staying home has become a new normal and people will always appreciate their homes when this is done. Many people have painted, updated their homes and made plans for future projects. Home is where our heart is always and should always be a comfortable place to be.

6. Our country, no matter how much in shambles it is in now.

Yes, we should be grateful for our country even though we see it as a place we don’t agree with and are often afraid to be involved in. People are protesting, killing others because of different viewpoints and the average citizen just shakes their head often in fear. We can only hope that our country will return to its greatness once and for all when people realize that it is not important what party you belong to, but rather what you think the American lifestyle should return to. I often think back to the times when I was growing up when I felt proud to be an American, pledged to my flag and respected those who served us.

7. Our hopes and dreams for a better future.

As we are getting closer to being free of this awful virus, many of us are making plans for our future. Whether it be a new job, traveling to another country, or taking up a new hobby, these thoughts are always on our minds. For example, will we ever be able to return to Broadway or go to a concert or movie without being fearful of getting sick? Will we be able to hug those we love without giving it a second thought? Will we be able to help those in need without fearing the spread of a virus? These are questions we are all asking.

So yes, the stroke of midnight did not change the way it is in the world immediately, but 2021 hopes to be a year of reparation and growth for many of us as we try to return to our former lives, a little stronger and a lot smarter. Let’s keep the faith that 2021 will be awesome and be grateful for all that you have in your life.

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