What I’m Thankful for During COVID
Posted August 26, 2020
“Are you serious?” That has been my go-to phrase for 2020. It’s been a wild ride, and it has gone by in the blink of an eye. Among all the twists and turns of a global pandemic, unemployment at an all-time high and America trying to mend racial injustices, I have been able to find some peace and remember what I’m thankful for. Family, friends and starting a new job has been how I’ve stayed strong during these challenging times.
Shopping stores were closed, restaurants restricted to drive thrus and gyms turned the lights out. With all of this happening, it meant more family time. I was fortunate to spend more time with my parents and even got to see my sister who lives on the West Coast. She had been working from home since March and was ready to see some familiar faces. Of course we argued about her stealing my clothes every day and eating my snacks, but that’s just what we do! It seems like time may slow down again and a new stay at home order will take effect, so maybe palm trees and the beach can be my new office.
Zoom parties really got me through when I was trapped inside the house for months! We got creative with how to “hang out.” Virtual game nights, drop-off Cinco de Mayo piñata parties and hours of FaceTime calls became the new norm. We had plenty of girl talk and virtual wine nights to get us through the lockdown, but we are ready for Sunday brunch again!
If not being able to see family and friends wasn’t enough, let’s throw in starting a new job. At the beginning of the year I took a risk by leaving the culinary world and entered into marketing. It was something new and I was nervous, but I was embraced with open arms, virtually of course. Like all jobs, it wasn’t easy, but it has been worth it. Traditionally job training is in person, but this time around it consisted of online calls, screen sharing and a lot of emails. Life is all about adjusting, right?
I am very fortunate to have kept a job during these hard times. Many of my restaurant industry friends were without one, and it broke my heart. I did my part to help out as much as I could by buying dinners during the curb-side only phases. Without technology I wouldn’t have been able to see distant family and friends. Who would have thought we’d be here, but it’s important to be thankful for the little things. For those struggling to see the light, it gets better. This year has been very unpredictable and challenging, but I know we will get through it.
Tags: Brightly Creative, COVID, telecommute, thankful, work from home, Zoom
CATEGORY: Brightly Creative