Life Lessons From a Pandemic —
One Year Later
One year ago I served as the Keynote Speaker for the annual Women Giving Back luncheon and fundraiser and my mom was visiting from California. She had flown in for my son’s birthday party as she does every year for each of the kids. That is, until COVID hit.
None of us had any idea what the next year would hold for our family and our world. I’m still trying to process all that I’ve learned over this past year.
While we have our own personal scars from 2020, the pandemic has caused us to shift priorities and take in some valuable lessons. We are a little wiser, even more mindful of others in our community who are hurting and in need, and more focused on our health and the health of others. We have made our house a home. We have learned what it means to triage at home when the sh*t hits the fan. We have savored family dinners together every day of the week and have become ok with a glass of wine every night- not just on weekends. We have learned to say yes more- when yes is an option. We have learned that a change of scenery is medicinal for our mental health… and that sometimes it does take an effort to focus on gratitude — but that practicing gratitude is critical and necessary. We have learned that masked walks with friends and alone time are essential… and adding a few seconds to a hug is exactly the oxytocin release you need!
My kids said goodbye to my mom that weekend in March and haven’t seen her since. We are hopeful that with the vaccines we will all be able to be together soon… and share hugs. Many of them.
I asked my son yesterday what were his favorite parts of the past year. He said it was spending more time with us. For that, we are grateful.
