I want to acknowledge each and every one of us for finding our way in this unprecedented time.
I want to acknowledge all those on the front lines keeping people safe, fed and healthy.
I want to acknowledge everyone’s effort to pause their life for the greater good.
I want to acknowledge all the parents feeding their young brood a snack for the “umpteenth time” today, supporting their need for safety and stability and love.
I want to acknowledge those working from home full-time while also supporting their children’s online learning efforts and managing the rest of the household duties too.
I want to acknowledge everyone who has found a way to keep food on their table during a furlough or after losing their job while also supporting their children’s online learning efforts.
I want to acknowledge the person who is sending prayers and healing thoughts to their family member who is ill.
I want to acknowledge those reaching out (from a safe distance) to care for extended family and those most vulnerable in our community..
I want to acknowledge the person who is curled up on the couch because that is what they need to feel safe and loved and cared for today, or this week.
I want to acknowledge the one who is learning a new skill, devouring free, online courses and is determined to come out of this on the other side as their personal definition of a more productive person.
We have never done this before. And we are each finding our way in it.
I want to acknowledge that we may not all be proactively seeking change or productivity or “upgrades” to the way we operate, yet we are going to come out of this on the other side a changed person.
At the outset of all of this I heard a great quote yet cannot recall who said it…“Uncertainty is growth in disguise.”
We are all growing. Perhaps in patience or vulnerability or presence or the way we process grief or appreciate happiness.
I invite us all to gently look at ourselves in this time and simply ask, “What do I want to experience in all of this?” Then allow that to guide you.
What’s your way in awareness, acceptance and alignment in this pandemic?
Playing With the Author – Jenn Fredericks
I have been playing it pretty safe since March 13th because I have a compromised immune system due to a kidney transplant. I have only left the house for “safe-distancing” neighborhood walks and once to have a routine doctor’s visit. My family is also staying close to home to keep us all healthy. Each day is a practice in presence. It is a practice in awareness of what we are experiencing, accepting that this is the temporary “new normal” and then aligning with who we want to be together in these close quarters. We’ve come to look forward to our walks, a movie every night, Zoom family game days and “kitchen window” visits from a safe distance with neighborhood friends just as we used to look forward to a Target run or dinner out.
How are you choosing to experience this pandemic?