I have been living more mindfully and in the present moment than ever before. But this isn’t a result of some enlightened expansion so much as a forced suspension of my daily life. I don’t think I am alone when I say this is a weird balance of feeling grief (for those who are suffering, for the normal we once took for granted, and for the unknown of tomorrow) and also such gratitude for the moments with my loved ones, the games with my children, and the quiet time for coffee on my back patio. It’s a pretty messed up time. And wrap your head around the relative pain? Good luck.

But in all of the Covid-chaos I have seen such beauty and generosity from people. A humbling of our general culture and a greater sense of social responsibility, something that had seemed to be lost on so many for a long time. This is such an opportunity for our children to see the ways people come together in a crisis. And a chance for us adults to renew our faith in each other.

I expected to allow my kids more freedom on their tablets playing Minecraft or listening to music but interestingly, they aren’t asking for it much. There seems to be this understanding that connection, games, bikes, walks, and family time is where the focus is.

We’ve played more family games and have had more deep discussions around anxiety and fear than ever before. There’s beauty in both and lessons in it all. I am very lucky to be able to enjoy the extra time with my kids. And I realize not everyone has this same experience. Sometimes nothing makes sense and all we can do is focus on this moment.