On The Bright Side... Looking For The Positive Amid COVID-19

I've heard a lot of folks say that they can't wait for this pandemic to end so that things can get back to "normal."

And while I do miss traveling and hosting parties for family and friends, I don't necessarily want things to completely go back to normal.

Because I think this time at home has led to some good.

Like the realization of how important it is to grow some your own food.

When COVID-19 first hit us, people freaked out.

And, as a result, store shelves were wiped clean.

So, folks took the initiative to start growing their own fruits and vegetables.

Home gardening exploded.

Not only was it something to do besides sitting around the house, gardening provided a sense of self-reliance – a dedicated food source that wasn't tied to our broken food supply chains.

I don't want to see those home gardens shrivel up and die with a return to "normal." That would be a real shame.

Another thing I wouldn't want to see return is food waste.

Pre-pandemic, Americans were wasting TONS of food.

Like about 37 million tons of food annually.

But this pandemic has shifted our buying habits.

With so many foods in short supply, we now get what we need, not necessarily what we want.

And that has resulted in less food waste, something I'm 100% on board with.

Something else I'm on board with? The resurgence of riding bikes.

With no place to go, biking outdoors has become a favorite activity for many.

If you started the pandemic without a bike at home, you may have had a tough time getting your hands on one.

Bikes are selling like hotcakes.

And for good reason.

I know when I'm flat out tired of walking around the neighborhood, I'll snap on my helmet and hit the road for a ride.

Sometimes I look for a new trail or park. Others, I'll just ride with no destination in mind.

There's something freeing about being on a bike.

Faster pace than a walk. And I'm able to go further than I would have gone on foot.

Another positive outcome of this pandemic has been more family time.

Now, I'm sure some of you might say that this has been too much family time.

But being quarantined at home with loved ones gave us a chance to reconnect.

There's no running out to drop kids off at soccer practice or ballet class.

No meeting up with friends for tennis.

Just time at home. Family time.

And I don't regret one second of the extra time I got to spend with Karen.

So, when I hear people longing for "normal," I can agree up to a point.

But there are just some things with the "new normal" that are far better than the old.

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Comments

sparrow59 - December 10, 2020

I have appreciated the last few months to slow down and take a look at what’s really important. For me it has been a time of self-reflection in the evening when I’m not at work. The chasing from one activity to the next might keep you busy, but was it really quality time or time well spent? This summer I made the garden a little bigger and put more vegetables in the freezer, more salsa and sauerkraut canned. I completed a much needed coat of paint on the house after replacing a few boards. I think more about God in a positive way most days; thankful for the small things that are going right instead of praying when I’m in trouble. I hope to keep looking for the good things and carve out a “new” normal.

Linda Heath - September 28, 2020

Thankyou for being there and for the messages. Wish I could have a garden again. About to move into an apartment complex. I only know of one complex that allows you to have a garden. My parents used to live there. One of the benefits was people getting to know each other. Then there were the jokes about too many zucchinis ! 🤗

April Love - September 28, 2020

Thank you! I love what you brought out! It echoes my sentiments, and what our church leaders are telling us. I shared your article, along with my own thoughts, on my Facebook page.
So many blessings and opportunities for good can be ours that would have been lost to us if we neglected to look on the bright side of any situation!

Kimberly - September 25, 2020

Amen on the new normal. God is cleaning up what we have let go. Becoming better in spite of the rioting and awfulness. God’s got this in the palm of His hand. Now what are we going to do with our New Opportunities? And restarts?
Go USA and the world.

Ken Halperin - September 25, 2020

That message you sent me about things going back to normal, really depressed me. Not everyone has a family like you. Some of us are alone💔

WIlliam Lewis - September 25, 2020

PLEASE, Jeff! I agree that the world before COVID was far from perfect, but I would give ANYTHING to return to it!

Marsha - September 25, 2020

Your letters & comments are enjoyably to read,, you have a wonderful day..

Victor B Smith - September 25, 2020

AMEN!!!

Bill - September 25, 2020

Families learned to eat healthier. Old favorites are seeing a return. I loved grill cheese sandwich as a kid & don’t remember when was the last time I had one. During the lockdown, I’d remember this and started making it as a snack or light lunch. Quick, easy & became an instant hit with the family.

Neysa Candelario - September 25, 2020

I just want to say Thank you for all you guys do to get us what we need and our family to be prepared and stay safe. Everything I bought I love and your customer service are all very nice and respectful people. THANK YOU, THANK YOU….

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

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