It is sometimes hard to find joy in a pandemic: the daily death toll, our isolation, the news from the East Coast, but finding what is good helps my mental attitude.
Facebook can be such a double-edged sword, but it’s an opportunity to interact with friends and family and often is the source of inspiration. One person commented that there is something awesome about everyone in the world coming together to fight this common enemy—covid-19. Another commented that by all of us staying home, the earth is beginning to heal with the air becoming clean again. I also like looking back at the memories Facebook offers: seeing photos of my grandchildren 10 years ago—their faces radiating joy and innocence at an Easter picnic.
All of that brings me momentary joy. But each moment of joy releases anxiety. So, I decided to write about those small moments of joy which help me mentally and spiritually.
-my daughters and I texting funny memes back and forth like “I’d like to cancel my 3 month trial subscription of 2020. I’m not impressed.” OR “My mother always told me I wouldn’t amount to anything lying around on the couch. . . but here I am saving the world.”
-calling Martin, an elderly church member to see how he is doing and getting more joy from him than I could have possibly given by calling him: he was so happy that Pastor Dave had called him earlier to celebrate Martin’s grandson signing with Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The joy in his voice brought me joy, too.
-watching the children next door playfully chase their new puppy around the yard.
-the wave from the Panera delivery man at his car when I pick up dinner on the door step.
-leisurely reading a library book knowing there is no due date in sight
-watching the video collage of church members participating in the Palm Sunday “processional” from their homes—waving scarves, house plants, tree branches when palms were unavailable.
-receiving unexpected gifts and cards in the mail and responding by “passing it on” with treats sent to my siblings.
-texts from a neighbor asking if we are all right or if we need anything.
-saying “yes” to a Panera’s chocolate chip cookie on our supper delivery.
-zooming with 16 of my family and just enjoying the craziness of Anna playing with her snake, Davis playing his guitar, Libby discovering the white board function, Rachel changing her back ground to hearts and Roman replacing his handsome face with creepy photos while Rebecca and Jason eat dinner on their deck, Kyle sits on his dock and the Warrens try to squeeze 6 of them into the cameras on 2 devices.
-our daughter’s banner making the front page of their local newspaper “Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise”
-taking my stretch class through FaceTime and seeing old familiar faces in the class, too.
-hearing Dave laugh at his favorite show “Major Crimes” which is funnier than the title implies.
We have always lived our life focusing on the positive, what we CAN do, what we CAN eat—not on the negative. The past 20 years have prepared us for this moment: facing a very scary enemy and yet finding joy.
means less satisfaction and joy today.
