At the beginning of the pandemic, I was struggling to find ways to remain stable and not circle into a whirlpool of depression and loss. So much had changed in a day. I left a job I loved and the social world that went with it, my only face-to-face social contacts were with my husband and healthcare providers, no more trips to the grocery store or exercising at the YMCA. Like so many people, I was isolated and uncertain of what the future held. I appreciated many others had even greater challenges than I did; finding a source of income, getting food, having housing and healthcare. I, at least, had access to those basics.
I have a friend who is also diagnosed with a challenging medical condition that limits her activity. When it became apparent that the pandemic wasn’t ending anytime soon, we decided to text each other, every evening, one experience of the day that brought us happiness. This was not to deny the losses that we and others were experiencing, however we both benefited from support to keep a bigger perspective and to be reminded that even in the most difficult of times, beauty and goodness continues to exist. After I read her happy experience text at night, I would attach a small heart to it and after she read mine, she would do the same. We’ve continued this practice beyond the pandemic and are well into our fourth year of evening texts! Our experiences are mostly common, daily activities that might otherwise not receive special attention, such as sitting on the porch, sipping morning tea, watching a hummingbird, a phone conversation with a loved one, listening to an inspiring talk, enjoying lovely weather, viewing a photo of a child, taking a walk, a healthcare visit. Occasionally there is something exciting, like when I attended a wedding, but for the most part, they are routine, ordinary, daily experiences This practice helps me take extra time to savor these small pleasures in a day and reminds me of goodness in difficult times. It helps me cultivate stability and joy.