Hello, friends. Well, it’s safe to say that 2020 certainly wasn’t the year that we were all hoping for/expecting…um is this not true? Like so many of you, a lot of fun plans are just not going to happen for us right now. And even more of a bummer, our daily routines have been altered quite a bit. This is the sad reality many of us our facing, however if we look at the much bigger picture, I feel a much more overwhelming sadness for those who have been on the very front lines of this covid 19 crisis.

Let’s just say my heart goes out to all of these souls, the family’s who have lost loved ones, the medical professionals, and all of those doing their part and risking their own health to help others selflessly. With the sad reality that has been laid before us, and the rising numbers of cases and deaths, I really hope that others will take social distancing a bit more seriously. Let’s ditch the political and personal views and just come together and practice compassion for humanity here. Because ultimately that is what Social Distancing is.

Regardless of the ugly that I have seen in this situation, I have in fact seen the beautiful side of humanity. I am so thankful for this. Living in such a dark time, it’s so reassuring. For example, all of those who ARE practicing safe social distancing and doing their due diligence at attempting to flatten the curve. I miss traveling and exploring different beautiful places with my family, however it is so important that we do our part and potentially save multiple lives, to help our hospitals not get overwhelmed to capacity.

One of the many things that I am thankful for right now, is my wonderful husband and kids. They are my anchors, and I feel like if and when we get through this, it will in fact make us even stronger as a family unit. Even though homeschooling has been quite the task, and as time consuming as it is, I am happy and so very much thankful to be a Stay at Home Mama and I am taking it as an opportunity to bond even more with my kiddos. I was very sad to pull my daughter out of preschool but we signed her up for ABC Mouse. Also she has been painting on her easel as well as other activities, including a lot of hand washing and luckily she has a VERY active imagination and has been keeping herself busy for the most part. This has been quite the adjustment with both kiddos, but they are doing okay, even through the rough patches. Let’s just say that I really have an incredible amount of respect for elementary and preschool teachers.

Also, a few of the other things (some big, some small) that I am incredibly thankful for is that my husband gets to work from home, a house to live in, the health of my family, food in our fridge, good books to read, friends and family, Netflix, kind people, my backyard, the helpers of the World, good food, social media, music, gardening, playing outside with my kids, the deep meaningful late night conversations that the Hubs and I have and SO. MUCH. MORE. In times like these, it is so important to look at what you have going on for you and cherish it with every ounce of your being. This is how I cope. This is how I get through many of the hard times that I have faced throughout my lifetime. Just remember to hold on to all the good and wonderful things that you have in this life! We will make it through this.