Thursday, April 16, 2020

Realizing happiness in the midst of a pandemic

Realizing happiness in the midst of a pandemic

My kids are my life. I love them more than anything from the first moment I saw them.
I’ve always thought we are doing everything we can to be the best parents and that was probably true. I also knew that the grind we were living in wasn’t healthy or normal. It was increasingly difficult to enjoy moments of joy because everything was a rush.

Then came the COVID-19 pandemic and it put the world in an awkward pause. It forced us to slow down and be together. The notice what’s really meaningful and realize priorities. Family, health, simple joy.

It gave us a chance to reflect on the past and contemplate the future while being amazingly aware of the present. It gave us time...with each other, with ourselves, for one another.

Thh hi is pandemic is scary. It’s sad. It’s worrisome and it will have a long lasting effect on the economy, on health care and on people’s lives and livelihood.
But it will also give us unforgettable moments.

To me, it has so far given me perspective. On how important family is. How crucial our health is. How important it is to appreciate the present and to be able to make flexible plans. Life can be like the book “welcome to holland”. Just because plans change it doesn’t mean we have to give up on happiness. We just have to find it elsewhere.

I found it in my kids. In a different way than ever before. I’ve worked hard and endured the grind knowing that’s the only way to provide the best for them. I call bullshit on my own actions.
What they need and want isn’t fancy toys or extra curricular activities. What they want is time with us. And that’s what I try to give them. I cherish every moment and I hope I can make changes that will allow me to continue with a more realistic and fulfilling work/life balance.

Noah and Ollie are my world. And I want to be a part of their world. I want to witness their path, their lives and help them find themselves. Help them become who they dream to be whatever that may be. I want to give them the belief that reaching for the stars is not only okay, but a way to reach happiness. Believing in miracles is okay. Believing in themselves is a must. Because they themselves are miracles. They already are and they already have everything they need to be who they are meant to be. The rest is just practice, belief, faith, perseverance. Lastly, I want to show them that  we are always here for them no matter what. Always.

They will rock this world. They already rock mine.

Mommy

Wednesday, April 15, 2020

To Never Forget...


To Never Forget...

It’s April 15th, 2020.
  • -        Massachusetts is under a “stay-at-home” advisory by Governor Charlie Baker
  • -        The price of gas is $1.69/gallon
  • -        Schools have been close for a month (since March 16th)
  • -        There are lines inside and outside of stores to distance people
  • -        You can only leave the house wearing a mask
  • -        Non-essentials stores and businesses are closed
  • -        Parks are not accessible to the public
  • -        All sport competitions are cancelled.
  • -        Concerts, festivals, entertainment events ae cancelled.
  • -        Weddings, family celebrations, holiday gatherings are cancelled.
  • -        Funerals are delayed or only attended by 2-4 immediate family members
  • -        Churches are closed.
  • -        You can date no one outside of the house.
  • -        Outdoor playgrounds for kids ae closed.
  • -        We need to get away from each other more than 6 feet.
  • -        Shortage of masks and gloves in hospitals.
  • -        There are not enough artificial respirators compared o the numbers of people in need.
  • -        Supermarkets missing basic and essential items, such as toilet papers, flour, yeast, paper towel, etc.
  • -        Governments closed borders to all non-essential travel
  • -        Fines are imposed for those who want to break the rules.
  • -        The Roads are almost empty.
  • -        People are afraid to leave home.

-        Here is the COVID-19 pandemic declared on March 11, 2020.

Wonder why I am writing this?
Within a year, and every year it will appear in my Facebook memories section, and it will be an annual reminder that life is precious and that you can’t take anything for granted and feel enough gratitude until the following year being there where we are with comfort we have.
Be grateful.