Did you ever think that the world would shut down because of a virus? As this year ends, I cannot help but contemplate how we have spent the entire year. How different it was as compared to how we anticipated the year to go by. It made me stop and take a step back. It made me look at my life and the world around me with a new perspective, which I would not have if it weren’t for the pandemic. The world shutting down made me see things differently, and as much as there was pain, chaos, panic, and fear, it taught me lessons that I will hold on to for life. The pandemic and the time I spent in isolation changed me, but my kids might not understand this yet. They might be too little to comprehend how the experience of a global pandemic changed us, but here are 7 things I want them to remember about it:
1. Making People Laugh Is A Service
Image: Shutterstock
During trying times, making people laugh is a gift to humanity. Everyone talks about how much harm social media causes, but it helps connect people and spread laughter if used the right way. It’s a tool to help spread some silliness in a world that is so full of seriousness.
2. Kindness Is Underrated
Image: Shutterstock
I want my kids to remember that everyone has struggles, but not everyone has the love, support, and kindness to get through it. Belittling someone else’s story is unkind and insensitive. I want my kids to grow up to be kind and compassionate people in a world where being aloof, rude, and cold are somehow cool.
3. You Matter, And So Does Your Story
Image: Shutterstock
Empathy is essential, but I don’t want my kids to forget to love themselves. It is easy to get wrapped up in the world and forget that you need love, kindness, and compassion too. We tend to believe that our struggles don’t matter when we see someone struggling more than us but remember that you matter, and so does your story.
4. Self-Acceptance And Self-Love
Image: Shutterstock
In a world that is always trying to bring us down, self-acceptance is an important quality. I want my kids to know that they have to own who they are and not let the world dim their light. People will call them names and try to change their authentic selves, but they are beautiful just the way they are.
5. It’s Bigger Than You
Image: Shutterstock
If there is one thing this virus has taught us, it is that there is more to life than just us. I want my kids to never forget that. We had to take care of ourselves, wear masks, follow social distancing, and regularly wash our hands to protect ourselves from the virus. But it was also to protect others.
6. We Are Strong Together
Image: Shutterstock
Human beings are meant to live in a community. We are social beings and this year proved that we are stronger together. Cooperation, support, and encouragement gave people hope that we will emerge stronger after the year we’ve had. When things are hard, it’s okay to acknowledge that they are hard. It doesn’t make you weak. It makes you human.
7. You Are My Hope
Image: Shutterstock
Seeing my kids gives me hope. Their innocence and zest for life make me believe in a better tomorrow. It gives me the strength to fight the pandemic and remain positive. I am eager to see what the future holds with you in it, and I want my kids to know that. They must always remember that they are my biggest hope and pride.
The pandemic is hard for us, but it’s also hard on our kids. They don’t know much about life, but they have had to follow guidelines to live, breathe, and interact with their friends. I want them to remember these few life lessons about the time the world shut down. I never want them to forget that they are blessed to be loved even during such a difficult time and be grateful for every day.
