Early Lessons from COVID-19

The Toad and I are in the early days of isolating and social distancing but there have already been lessons. The first and biggest lesson is that we have so So SO much to be grateful for – our health, our home, quiet time together, the ability to be outside in nature and more.

One lesson that struck me was about abundance and waste. The first time I went to the grocery store and saw empty shelves was anxiety provoking to put it mildly. There were no bread products, no fruits or vegetables (fresh or frozen), no eggs, no cheese, no pasta or sauce, no rice. My first panic thought was “how will I feed my child?!” It made me more mindful of parents who have this thought even without the shortages that COVIDIOTS who are hoarding have caused.

I bought what I could from my grocery list and went home. The reality is that I have a pantry and I have a small chest freezer, and both had food stocked in. It was clear we were not going to starve. We may not have blueberry waffles, but we do have pancake mix, we may not have fresh raspberries, but we have apples. As I am making meals, I am much more cognizant of what leftovers are in the fridge and am being mindful not to waste anything.  I am much more mindful of people who do not have the resources or the living environment that allows them to have more than the basics at hand. I am more mindful of people who were managing a week ago and who now are accessing the local food bank. I am more mindful of kids who receive much of their quality nutrition and nurturing at school who are now going without.

I am mindful that because I have these blessings, I have a responsibility to make a difference.

Stay at home and go out only for essential needs. Stay physically distanced from others. Check in virtually with the people you love and people who might need assistance. Donate to the food bank. Be kind every opportunity you can. Say thank you to those people who continue to serve in this very difficult time – medical staff, cleaning crews, emergency personnel, truck drivers, grocery store clerks, sanitation crews and more.