Even in pandemic, there are things to be thankful for

Posted April 29, 2020

Whether you view the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic, a national emergency, or just a rare opportunity to bum around at home, these are unprecedented times. It seems like every media source focuses about nothing but COVID-19. And while there are reasons to be concerned, there are also reasons to be thankful.

I propose that we spend a little more time looking at the positives. This situation has allowed me to move back home and spend the last few weeks shut in with my family. I have two working parents, two siblings in high school, and another sibling home from college along with me. That makes this a rare opportunity. It has been years since I have been able to spend this much quality time with my entire family, and I am cherishing every moment of it. Being able to play games as a family and even just eat dinner together is something to appreciate.

I put a poll up on my Instagram account asking people to share what they were most thankful for during this time. I got a wide variety of responses from close friends, UWRF students, relatives, and even distant acquaintances.

Several people mentioned things like friends, family, and pets. I also received very simple responses such as “nice weather” and “basketball.” While these might seem obvious, they certainly can be wonderful blessings, especially in times like these.

One UW-River Falls student wrote, “I am thankful for the ability to still engage in learning while doing it at my own pace.” Several other responses touched on the blessing of technology and how it enables us all to stay connected even if we are physically separated. Apps like FaceTime and Zoom allow people to chat and engage with each other as if they were really together.

Another student mentioned that the break from school and work, which allowed her to focus more on things she was passionate about doing including art and other hobbies.

Everyone has something to be thankful for. It’s just a matter of whether we choose to focus on those special things. What are you most thankful for during this time?