Gratitude During These Difficult Times

Robin Henderson-Wiley

Pandemic, social and political unrest–it’s hard to make lemonade out of those lemons!  There is so much negativity and unrest in our world today, making it difficult to see the rainbow through the downpour.

Prior to March, we didn’t have to give any thought to how we interacted with others.  We went to our offices, church, and gatherings without regard for safety or any adverse effect on our life!  Now, we wear masks, we’ve been quarantined, we have to maintain 6 feet between us. Our lives have drastically changed since March, and for some, lives have been lost. 

So, what do we have to be grateful for during these times?

• Parents have assumed the role of full-time teachers. Would you have been as deliberate in spending time with your child(ren) if you weren’t in this role?  Be grateful; you have an opportunity to see your child through a magnified lens and influence them in new ways.

• Families have been quarantined.  Would you have been as deliberate in the time you spent with your spouse /partner/family?  Be grateful; families have reconnected and relationships have been healed. Families and friendships experienced love in different ways.

• Has being quarantined changed your beliefs?  We aren’t able to gather and worship together. Be grateful; whatever your belief system, you have an opportunity to reflect and refocus.  

Yes, we have lost a number of lives as a result of this pandemic. One no less valuable than the other.  However, if you are reading this blog than you are among the living! What will you do with this opportunity? Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning!  Be grateful!

About SouthLight:

Robin Henderson-Wiley is the Chief Operating Officer for SouthLight Healthcare. Founded in 1970, SouthLight Healthcare is one of the area’s largest nonprofit providers of substance use treatment and mental health services. SouthLight partners with individuals and communities to provide innovative treatment solutions delivered with compassion and dignity. With outpatient and community-based programs, SouthLight provides prevention, education and treatment services in the Triangle and beyond. Learn more at www.southlight.org.