A few weeks ago, I had an idea to post something positive every day, a way to counteract the negative we’re constantly bombarded with. I was busy finishing up a writing class, so I pushed this project to the side. And then COVID-19 came to the United States, impacting our lives in an unprecedented way. These are uncertain times, no doubt, but we’ve been given an opportunity to make significant, constructive changes in the way we live our lives and to reconsider what we deem “important.”

We’re learning we can live, even thrive, without some of the things we once took for granted or considered a necessity. We’re also being reminded that our connection to one another is our top priority. We’re in this together, and together we can and will survive whatever comes our way.

I hope you’ll make the best use of your situation. If you’re at home, use the extra time to get caught up on chores, reading, movies, projects, your email inbox, etc. Use your phone to call and catch up with family and friends. Learn something new via YouTube videos, listen to podcasts, spend time outdoors, dig out old recipes and whip them up for dinner, dance to old CD’s, snuggle with your kids and pets. Many of us have been given the gift of time, so don’t waste it or poo poo it. Embrace it.

And one last thing. There are only two real emotions: LOVE and fear. The two cannot coexist. Period. Choose LOVE. Try to avoid using words like scary, frightening, and afraid. If you find yourself succumbing to fear, find your way back to LOVE. The Beatles summed it up best:

“All you need is love. Love is all you need.”