While we are going through unprecedented times of staying at home, people not working, kids being home-schooled, and most businesses closed, a lot of people have been in a panic. Whether it is waiting in long lines at the grocery store and finding shelves empty or hoarding cleaning products, toilet paper or the inability to order online, some people have been worrying about their livelihood through this pandemic.

But through all of this, I have decided to take a different approach and to embrace finding the silver linings of our new normal. While initially it was a shock as everyone’s lives got turned upside down, I have come to the realizations what all this truly means for my family and me. The overpowering lesson that I greatly appreciate is that we do not need much for our happiness. All that we need is our health and

our family. It is a great time to spend and enjoy the time with together.

We have been more active together as a family whether it be playing basketball or volleyball outside, going for walks or jogs around the neighborhood. The kids have enjoyed having exercise competitions or playing “monkey in the middle. I appreciate not having to always be on the go, whether it be to my patients’ home or the kids numerous activities. I love that I have had to drive less and less as we are fortunate to live in walking distance to three grocery stores and a CVS.

I have learned about less impulse buying with grocery and household needs and have been more creative and mindful with our meals in order to appropriately portion as to not overdo.

We have made more time with movie date nights with and without the kids. The kids have been more creative with their time even cleaning their room and making up adventures in the backyard. I peeked in the backyard while the kids were playing yesterday and they climbed up a small ladder and were pretending to be a king or queen doing their speeches to their kingdom! The kids have shown they do not have to constantly have structure and be stimulated by technology. The family has enjoyed just sitting down with each other having real conversations.

The kids have adapted through a new way of learning online and learning how to be self-disciplined to work on their studies.

I have been able to focus on projects and things that I have wanted to start, but never really made time for. I can now flex my creativity muscle and get more content online as well as reflect, journal, take continuing education courses and focus on my passions.

This historical moment, while it be a trying one, has opened up a different perspective and appreciation for things in life.