Finding the Silver Linings

Cambridge Dictionary defines “silver lining” as “an advantage that comes from a difficult or unpleasant situation.” 

Since March 2020, it’s not always been easy to see any positives that resulted from the pandemic. The pandemic is still with us, and the end doesn’t seem to be in sight. When reading the news, the journalists always focus on the difficulties surrounding the pandemic with no positive predictions for the future. Social media isn’t much better.

During this time, I’ve been aware of how much some people have lost, and I feel for them. Still, I’ve tried to reflect on the silver linings that the pandemic created. My list is plentiful:

• I had the opportunity to work from home.
• Rush hour traffic is a thing of the past.
• I learned how to do meetings by Zoom, WebEx, and MS Teams.
• After thirty years, I started painting again.
• My stress level dropped.
• I had an extra year with my son at home as he attended college virtually.
• Despite working, I felt like a stay-at-home mom when my daughter attended elementary school virtually.
• I was with my daughter when she lost some of her last baby teeth.
• I spent quality time with my Mom.
• I enjoyed FaceTime visits with my Dad during my lunch breaks.
• I was with my twelve-year-old dog daily during the last twenty months of her life. 
• I bonded with our newest furry family member and managed his twice-a-day medication routine after his heart worm diagnosis.
• I saved money because I stopped eating out, buying business clothes, and taking clothes to the dry cleaners.
• I enjoyed eating anything I wanted for several months and then returned to my low-carb diet to lose the extra weight.
• I developed an even stronger bond with my colleagues across the state.
• I loved all those moments when we all finally started hugging again.

I could probably add other things to my list, but I think those are some of the best silver linings.

As previously stated, I realize that the pandemic was a difficult time for everyone. But, I encourage you to focus on the good things that resulted due to this life-changing event.

By Judge Audrey Headrick

Courtesy of the Tennesee Court of Workers' Compensation Claims

What are your silver linings?

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