I am Thankful for these Gifts from the Pandemic

I had already planned to write about what I am thankful for during this pandemic, but after listening to a podcast this past Tuesday, I was inspired to reframe this piece and not just talk about what I am thankful for, but how those things are gifts. Sparks of light to take action, live with purpose and savor every moment with those you love.

After a months-long hiatus, Devi Brown gifted us with another episode of her podcast Dropping Gems. The episode, “Selfology – Becoming a Scholar of You” centers on the gifts of the pandemic, but although this may be “the gift wrapped in shit paper,” as she said with a laugh, it is a gift nonetheless.

This appreciation for the good that has come out of this pandemic for me is in no way intended to undermine the immense toll the ubiquitous loss has had on humankind. It’s been difficult, uncomfortable and traumatic. We have to grieve, we are grieving the loss of lives, normalcy and stability. I believe we also have to tap into the gifts given in the midst of this chaos, it helps us survive. And, I believe that when all is said and done, it will help us to thrive.

I am Thankful for these Gifts of the Pandemic

During quarantine, the world slowed down and so did I. At first, it was eerily quiet on the streets in late March when I decided to venture out for a walk a few weeks after the State shut down. The normal buzzing of cars and people going by was slim to none. As the weeks passed, I appreciated the quietness. The feeling of stillness enveloped me and recharged me.

I tapped into my gifts. I finally started my blog on April 20th, 2020. I posted my first blog “Navigating a New Normal: How I'm Dealing with the COVID-19 Pandemic” and have been writing more consistently than I ever have in my life. It’s opened up doors of opportunity and will continue to grow.

What the hell is taking things for granted? I don’t do that anymore. Another gift of the pandemic was the undeniable knowing that we cannot take anything for granted. Everything and everyone were affected by the pandemic. Things shifted quickly and profoundly and taught us that nothing is promised, but we have the gift of the present; so, we’d better savor the moment.

We’ve discovered new ways to communicate and connect. Zoom and other video calling technology helped us to stay connected. We are able to work, go to school, and gather socially…but, virtually. I am grateful for this.

Clarity about what matters. I now have complete clarity about what matters most and don’t get so worried about many of the things I used to. Health, family, friends and love are the main things I am clear I need. I work harder to get out of my own head (it’s an air sign thing, lol #TeamAquarius!) and to be present in each moment I am grateful to experience.