I’ve Got A New Gratitude
I’ve always been the person who hates a missed opportunity. Some people see time as this infinite resource, and can languor in it for days without feeling an urgency to take advantage of something. I am not that person. I want to make sure I am actually doing something of value. It could be work-related or something fun, but sitting around is just not my style.
And now it’s COVID Time!
In COVID Time, sitting around is being forced on me, and I don’t like it. “Being productive” has taken on new meaning. BCT (Before COVID Time, that is), I would accomplish dozens of things each day, checking off a mental list of tasks and being proud of myself in the midst. DCT (During COVID Time), well I’m starting to be proud of accomplishing like 5 things in a day. Stuff takes longer, it’s easier to procrastinate, and no one is in my space actually asking for something.
I have also been a person with a lot of gratitude, or so I thought. I am grateful for my home, my car, my friends and family, and my job on a regular basis. And it’s genuine!
But these days I am thinking of little things that I seem to have taken for granted too much. Like, sitting outside with friends listening to live music, having lunch with friends at OSO, getting a warm greeting from former Putnam City Caucus member Guy Liebman at Rotary each week, or hearing my co-workers laugh about something stupid in the news. I could go on, but I will start to cry if I do (too late)!
There are new things to be thankful for, and I am trying to see them all and be hopeful: Such as, being out in nature, taking longer walks, or having phone conversations with people. I’m certain you can add to the list.
But for me, there’s really no substitute for being around people. I just really like people and am excited to see them!
I know we aren’t at the end of, or after, COVID Time (ACT, to continue the acronyms). Our wonderful Mayor (and PC Alumni) has made it clear that we need to continue to be cautious, wash our hands, and keep our distance. We don’t know for how long, but each day, we are one day closer.
Hang in there friends. And give me a call.
Written by Jennifer Seal
April 30, 2020