The Bright Side

So I was thinking about the Coronavirus. "Rona" has issued a devastatingly unexpected blow to the world. I have personally experienced loved ones who have been infected and/or lost their lives to the virus. On top of the physical effects, there has also been a drastic decline in our economy, we've had to become uncomfortably creative with how we work, educate/learn, socialize, shop, worship, and simply live! Over the last several months, anxiety, worry, and disappointment have been high, while peace, joy, and faith have been low. From what I see, the majority of us have had to put extra effort in being hopeful and seeing the bright side. We're squinting, using the highest wattage bulb we can find, slapping on our bifocals, and pulling out the old BluBlockers just to get a glimpse of some light. And I must admit, there are some good things that have come about as a result of COVID-19. Here are the top 5 things I'm grateful for.

• Comfy clothes: I already worked remotely before quarantine with the option to go in the office when I wanted/needed to, so there hasn't been much change for me as far as work. However, since we pretty much can't go anywhere else, I've rarely had to bother with dressing up or wasting any thought on what I wear. The bulk of my wardrobe has been pajamas, joggers, leggings, t-shirts, and sports bras. I've never worn, let alone owned this many pair of jogging pants and leggings before in my life! I embrace the comfort daily.
• Cleaner businesses: People in general have been forced to be more conscious of their hygiene and cleanliness, but businesses have been especially impacted. They've implemented more stringent cleaning practices, many of which I feel should have been the norm anyway and I hope continue even after the pandemic has passed. I've had to fly a couple times and have actually felt more at ease about germs and cleanliness on the aircraft and in the airport during this time.
• Verzuz battles, virtual concerts, and online DJ sets: I am a huge concert/live music lover and I look forward to concert and festival season every year. It's one of the things I've missed most. But I'm so thankful for the Verzuz battles sponsored by Swizz Beatz and Timbaland on Instagram. They have managed to bring together some of the most talented and beloved artists to not necessarily compete, but celebrate their music and legacy. There have also been virtual concerts sponsored by organizations such as Verizon and World Health Organization, in addition to artists who decided to bless us on their own accord. And to top it all off, there have been deejays like D-Nice, Cassidy, and local DJs who have consistently played sets throughout the pandemic and at various points in the day. They have donated their time, talent, and resources to give us a welcome distraction, while also keeping us entertained and hopeful. 
• My son's high school graduation: For the longest time I had been looking forward to prom, graduation, and all the pomp and circumstance associated with his senior year. By the time we actually made it to his last year, none of that stuff was looking good anyway. He HATED school and it showed. Although extremely intelligent, it was a struggle to get him to do his work AND the abhorrence was also evident in his behavior. Detention after detention after suspension. I wasn't sure that he was going to graduate on time or at all! Shelter in place was a GODSEND for my boy! Being able to finish his last 2 months remotely and the teachers being more lenient and allowing him to make up previously missed work due to the extenuating circumstances was everything we didn't even know he needed! Being able to sit in my living room and hear his name and see his picture flash across my TV screen during his virtual graduation streaming on YouTube was definitely a 2020 highlight!
• Social distancing in public places: Making customers stand 6 feet apart in grocery store lines and other establishments is one of the best rules that could have ever been enforced. In BC (Before Coronavirus) times, I had exchanged words and nasty looks a'plenty with strangers in lines who had no concept of personal space. I'm not gonna lie though, I have had to issue a couple death stares recently to people who have gotten too close, but the number of times I've had to do that has been greatly reduced and they moved swiftly and without resistance. Lol!

So what have YOU been thinking? What good have you experienced as a result of the world's current state? Please don't hesitate to share in the comments. I love to hear from you!And remember, if you look hard enough, there's ALWAYS a bright side! 🤗