Finding Silver Linings During an Unthinkable Time
“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” —Wayne Dyer
Never in my lifetime would I have imagined we would find ourselves experiencing this nightmare of a global pandemic. I never thought I’d have to tell my children that they are no longer allowed to go to school or play at the park or the beach. Never did I think I would have to tell them that they can’t play with their friends or even their cousins. Never did I think that we would have to wear masks and gloves at the grocery store. It’s all been pretty overwhelming and downright frightening.
The news (and reality) is dark and depressing and can lead us down a rabbit hole of despair and negativity. Needless to say, it’s hard to stay positive. BUT, we can choose to focus on the good, the silver linings in this situation. We really have no other choice — what’s the alternative?
Some of the silver linings I’m finding...
More Creative Time:
This time has allowed me to be more creative both in my business and at home. I’m thinking of new ways to serve you and your needs. That’s why we created our DIY bracelet kits for both kids and adults, and these have been quite the hit. I love seeing pictures of all of you making bracelets at home — engaging in something creative!
At home, I’ve taken the time to work on creative projects. We are undergoing a renovation, and I am doing all of the design work, and my husband is serving as the general contractor. This time has allowed me to get creative with the design — and really give it some attention. Just last week, I painted our powder room in an attempt to make it look like it was wallpapered. It was so simple and so fun to do! If you’re interested in more behind-the-scenes of our home remodel, you can even follow me on Instagram at @a_home_we_made for a fun distraction!
“I don’t think of all of the misery, but of all the beauty that still remains”— Anne Frank
Deeper Connections
Being at home has encouraged us to look inward at what really matters. We aren’t able to run to every activity and store. We have been given an unintended pause that has forced us to slow down and connect in ways that we just didn’t have much time for before. My husband and I are engaging with our kids by doing puzzles, practicing yoga together, taking walks and playing games. We’re really listening to one another because we don’t have anywhere else to be — and it’s exactly where we need to be right now.
Acts of Kindness
People are donating masks, protective gear, food and money to help those who need us most right now. I’ve seen this kindness first-hand as some of my friends organized a fund for our community crossing guards. So many local businesses are offering their goods as fundraisers to help support one another. Others are grocery shopping or picking up necessary goods for the elderly or their more-at-risk neighbors.
Technology for Good
Technology is a huge silver lining in all of this. Typically we’ve viewed technology as a tool that is driving us apart: looking at our phones too much, being too involved with work on our laptops. But now, technology is really what is helping us stay connected when we can’t physically be together. My girls can continue learning through virtual school and many of us can continue working at home using our computers and Zoom calls for meetings.
Gratitude and realizing what I was taking for granted...
If anything, this crisis has made us realize the everyday connections and freedoms that we probably took for granted — I know I did. Now that we can’t connect in person or go to a sporting event or concert, we realize how good we had it.
And, if you’re on the frontlines right now, please know how grateful we are for you. You are risking your own life for the good of others, and that is truly remarkable. You are heroes. As a whole, it feels like we are more of a community now than we’ve ever been.
You are my silver lining
Thank you for being part of my silver lining. Your responses to our diy kits, your words of encouragement, your support of small business, your willingness to even read these words bring me so much joy in a time that feels very heavy. So thank you from the bottom of my heart for that. Wishing you health and happiness as we navigate this time together.
I want to know how are you finding joy in the small things and staying positive during this crisis?
Email us at info@birdstail.com or comment below and let me know some of the silver linings you are finding! I will share them on our Instagram and Facebook stories! Let’s share our silver linings in hopes to spread a little more joy and maybe bring a smile to someone’s face.