The world has come to a standstill. CORONAVIRUS… Every country has been hit differently so far, but similar precautions are starting to be taken. FLATTEN THE CURVE and SOCIAL DISTANCING have become part of our vocabulary. SELF-ISOLATION used to be for the social pariahs and the “weirdos,” but now it is the new normal. I don’t like change; I definitely don’t adjust well. Being self-isolated and restricting social contact is a foreign concept to me; I have people in my face all the time. Whether it be my kids, my family or coworkers, I am pretty much never alone. There have been numerous times in the last few years when I wished it was just me, when I had I wished that I could just skip out on social gatherings, and when I wished I could just “stop and smell the roses”.

The past week, I have had to slow down. Spending time with the kids in a compulsory isolated state will be trying in a few more weeks I am sure. For now, though, I have chosen to cherish these moments I have with them. I have chosen to take the time to clean out the pantry and stay caught up on laundry. I have decided to “veg” out and watch Netflix with my husband. You see, it’s tragedies and difficult times like this when we realize that we have been taking so much for granted. Being forced to take a break from busy-ness and work has made me realize how much of life I am missing at home.

At the risk of sounding cliché, it’s times like this that we need to stick together and be patient; be there for one another. It’s easy to get so caught up in working and cooking and cleaning and everything, and we can forget how to love, check in with one another and just be compassionate. It has been a reminder that above all is family and love; even above making money and travelling and having dreams. It’s caused me to rearrange my priorities and refocus. Almost like a modern-day pilgrimage! The last few weeks before all of this, I was feeling burned out and tired. It’s been a few days into this horror that is happening in our world, and I am feeling thankful for all that I have, and how simple life is normally. It’s really true what they say about #firstworldproblems.

As this unfolds, and as fear and anxiety heighten, we need to hold firm to the things that give us strength – our faith, family and love. The feelings of hopelessness and helplessness will become overwhelming, and it is at those times that we can turn to our family, our faith and love for renewed hope. And maybe this life altering experience will make us realize that we should “stop and smell the roses” more often… not just during a pandemic.