For almost a year now we have been plagued with the “Corona Virus” pandemic. So many awful things have come from it. I could write for days about to atrocities that have ensued and the lives that have been lost or ruined. I have seen first hand what Quarantine can do to a family unit. I can easily list all the bad, but isn’t all the complaining getting a little old? I sometimes feel like I am collapsing into myself and slowly becoming more and more bitter as I hear the news and all the negative that has come into our world.

In order to stay sane I have had to pull away from media and negative sources. I have done a lot of self reflection and have found that through good old fashioned positivity and perseverance I can survive this thing. I think there are things we can reflect on that help us keep going.

Below are 5 things that I feel are real blessings that have come only because of the pandemic.

1. Family Conflict Resolution. I have had so many one on one conversations with my kids on how to deal with conflicts with their siblings. One thing that has really got them to the so called “finish line” is that fact that they are literally stuck in the same building together, so they have to resolve their problems or they will be pretty miserable. Especially during lock-downs when tension and emotions are high, fighting is inevitable. This article called Coping With Conflict During the CoronaVirus (Covid-19) Lockdown from the Young Scot is a great read for families to read together, especially if you have younger kids. Consistency and forming habits are really key to resolving conflict along with so many other things. The Young Scot site is an amazing place made for young citizens of Scotland but anyone around the world can benefit from its articles and lessons
2. ReDiscovering Yourself. I’m sure that through this year you have had a lot of time to reflect. I have found myself doing things I used to do but somehow stopped, wether it was due to a lack of time or just years gone by and I forget parts of myself that I loved, AKA “Life Happens” I have let certain things fall by the wayside. Some of those things have been: Yoga, Meditation, Building a fort with my kids, painting, and calligraphy. I am very grateful that I had this year to reflect back on and do these things that I need to make more time for.
3. KonMari’d The Crap Out Of My Home. If you have never heard of the verb, to “KonMari” your house, or the book “The Life Changing Magic Of Tidying Up” then you have been living under a rock and need to click the link and listen/read it ASAP! It has been the only thing that has really helped me in the process of organizing my life. I have finally have time this year to implement so many of what Mari Kondo (Author) has recommended and it has been life changing (pun intended)
4. Started Sewing Again. Sometimes it really is the little things that keep you going. For me, it felt like I was helping in a little way by sewing masks for my family at the beginning of all these crazy mandates. OF course I have bought plenty since but it really got me through some tough times when I was freaking out over the news and our future. It was so nice to go into my cool basement, take a few deep breaths, and for a good 30 minutes only focus on my fabric, thread, and needles. Here are some great patterns on Etsy.com if you are wanting some inspiration.
5. Learn To Let Go! Drama, drama, drama! Somedays I feel so overwhelmed with everyone and everything, but one of the great blessings that has come from this past year is how to Let It Go!  When I get feeling like I’m getting close to the edge of sanity I stop, take a breath, recalibrate my thoughts, and yell to myself, “Let It Go!”. Honestly, what is the worst thing that could happen in any of these situations? The kids don’t have clean clothes tomorrow? I don’t win an argument with my husband?  I don’t have a clean house when my in-laws stop by? or I let a friend down? (Pro Tip: If your friends are true friends, they will understand and forgive any shortcomings.)

I hope you are able to reflect and find some blessings you have received this year. I promise it will make you feel so much better. But don’t take my word for it….Let me know the blessings you have accrued this year down below!

Good Luck Luvs!