Wait a Minute, It Will Change

Here in New England, we have a saying, “If you don’t like the weather, wait a minute, and it will change.” This saying can apply to just about everything in life, but we don’t really believe it. When we are in the thick of something uncomfortable as we are now, we just can’t see a way out. We start to tell ourselves life will never change, and we’ll be stuck here forever. But, that is not true.

Hurry Up and Be Over

There was a line in a TV show I that I watched recently which I really liked. This robot woman said, “in my experience, you humans are constantly wishing for something to be over.” That statement sure resonated with me. It seems like I am always wishing away the present moment due to some uncomfortable situation, pain, or struggle. I wonder how much of my life I have missed doing this.

Change is a Missed Opportunity

I don’t think I am alone. I hear it from many friends and family right now. They want this virus situation to be over. Although my life has changed very little due to the chaos and the discomfort, a lot of people I know are feeling an upheaval. I was wondering the other day how nice it must be for them to be home more, see their kids throughout the day, catch up on reading, watching movies, and more downtime without having to commute. But that’s not what I hear when I talk to them. I hear fear, frustration, and anger. I think they, too, are missing the point of this “pause.”

The COVID-19 situation has given us all an opportunity to make changes in our lives. It has forced a pause so that we can take time to appreciate the little things and the big ones. Perhaps it is a gift of reevaluation for our priorities. What do we want our lives to look like post-COVID?

A Perfect Time for Reflection and Gratitude

I am not always one to look on the bright side of things, and I have plenty of stress in my life right now. However, my annoyingly positive friend keeps reminding me of all the good that I am taking for granted. I am healthy, so is my family. I have plenty to eat, clean water to drink, fresh air to breathe, and a home. I don’t need much more than that, but I have a lot more.

I think this COVID situation is a great time to take stock of where we are and where we want to go. I am using this time to rack up a list of things to be grateful for. Instead of focusing on the negatives and what you cannot do, try to think about all you have, all you can do, and how lucky you really are.

Rest Assured, It Will Change

Whether or not you believe life will go back to “normal,” it will. Everything is continually changing, and this, too, will pass. I believe some good will come out of this unique event, and I am grateful for how I am using my mindfulness practice to stay relaxed and have faith.