We are going through not only a hard time, but also a time like no other. We haven’t experienced this ever before. This means, there are no guidelines, no rules, no policies set in place to guide us through and advise us what to do. We are all in this together; each business, family and organization is trying to navigate the best way through this for them and their community. It seems like this came at a time when we needed it most. We are being forced to stay home, be with our immediate families and just be. Isn’t this what we have all be longing and asking for? With this big change, yes, comes the negatives, negatives that are felt by everyone, for me, as a small business owner I definitely feel the pressures of today’s circumstances but there is a silver lining to all of this. There are good experiences and lessons that are shining through the fog. I wanted to share some of those good experiences and revelations with you in hopes of shining some light on your current situation.
Firstly, as a working mom, during quarantine, I have been able to feed my children breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday and tuck them into bed every night, something I never was able to do when the clinic was open. I see this a gift, one that won’t last forever, but one that I will cherish and be grateful for.
Our environment has been getting a rest and a bit of a cleanse with less people using all forms of transportation, many factories and businesses being closed resulting in less pollution and improved air quality. Mother Earth is thankful.
Getting creative, I have seen so many people taking up painting, practicing a new skill such as crocheting, putting together a 1000 piece puzzle and trying out new sourdough recipes. Expanding our creative brains leads to many positive benefits. When we develop new ideas we are learning more about ourselves and how to trust and ourselves, learning new ways to solve problems and relieving stress. Being creative is fun and brings joy and having fun helps to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
Mealtime as a family is something that is hard to accomplish during a busy workweek but is doable during quarantine. Studies have found that families that eat together are twice as likely to eat their daily-recommended intake of fruit and vegetables compared to family that don’t eat together. Not only is eating together more nutritious, but it also keeps the lines of communication open in the family unit, which is extremely important for growing children.
Fresh air, we have been getting more of it during the daytime hours since being at home. Right now, we have the luxury of going outside when our body tells us it is time for some air. This isn’t possible during a regular workweek. Cherish this! The weather is getting warmer and the sun is starting to spend more time with us, take advantage of this and just be outside.
These are just some of the small gifts that we have been given during this hard time. Now, not to say this is easy! It is definitely not for anyone. Everyone’s circumstances are different and we all handle change differently, but remember, we are all in this together and we will get through this together. Eventually this will end, but the lessons and experiences we learned and lived during COVID-19 will last forever. I have to tell you! I will never forget the time spent with my Quaran-Team.
“We have a tendency to think in terms of doing and not in terms of being. We think that when we are not doing anything, we are wasting our time. But that is no true. Our time is first of all for us to be. To be what? To be alive, to be peaceful, to be joyful, to be loving. And that is what the world needs most.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh
Dr. Denise Handscomb, ND
