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I generally try to keep a positive outlook when times get tough. Generally being negative doesn’t get you anywhere.

I will say though these times are definitely starting to weigh on me and our family.

We are fortunate because I am still able to work. However, our business that we own has been closed and will be closed for the foreseeable future. That uncertainty and lack of income definitely causes concern and worry for our family. But at the end of the day, this too shall pass.

During these challenging times it is important to focus on what we do have.

I have an amazing family who frequently gets on each other’s nerves, but would move mountains to help each other. We have our health. We have our home. We have what we need, and in some cases more than we need.

It is so important to take a step back and take in the big picture. There are people in much worse spots and all of us that have what we need should look for ways, even small ones, to lend a hand.

Whether it is preparing dinner for an elderly neighbor, running errands for a friend, or just being a shoulder for someone to cry on-no matter what it is-the impact it could have on an individual is priceless.

Whatever the coming days and weeks hold, I urge every to take stock of all that they do have and be thankful for that.

Show your kids how to help others while keeping themselves safe.

Take advantage of this time to be families and spend time together.

At some point, life will return to normal and our lives will return to their hectic paces. We will look back on this time with a mixture of relief, but I also imagine, with a bit of longing as well. Longing for time to slow down. Longing to spend quality time together.

I hope that as we cautiously approach exiting this pandemic, that we all remember the things we are learning during it.

Most importantly that our relationships with each other deserve attention and time and should be priorities and not afterthoughts.

 

Chris Kovatch is a resident of Orange County. You can reach him at news@orangeleader.com