I was asked by a relative to forward an old post from this blog and realized how unengaged I had become with it and honestly, most other things in my life as well. With all that is going on – the divide of our friends in our beliefs about this Country; the loss of jobs and incomes for many; the loss of daily school with friends, or weddings with family; the risk of death due to the Pandemic; and my own personal career challenges, I have found myself just existing day-to-day. I doubt I am alone in that feeling. The changes meant the live events were cancelled, much like my musician friends have had theirs cancelled. I have used my time off to do things I have had to miss for many years: Trips to my beloved Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern Minnesota; getting projects done at home and;starting new ones. They aren’t the same as before. I don’t seem to have the same enthusiasm as before the pandemic and the great USA divide. I don’t look to a new project with an eye of wonderment or joy – it becomes something I “check off” my list as finally being accomplished. In re-reading some of my past blog enteries, I realized that part of me is missing. I think we all must feel that way from time to time with all that is going on.
People always adapt and 2020 is no exception. But as I began to reread my past posts I realized when I wrote before I looked for the silver lining. Today, I see only the clouds and it concerns me. I need to stop my internal voice of doom and gloom and bring back the person who wasn’t jaded and angry. I need to change me and ignore the rest of the voices who spread anger. It starts with me.
In thinking this new way, I realized that the pandemic has had silver linings:
People have rediscovered the great outdoors. This summer I have spoken with many people who were first time campers or just coming back to camping after many years away. The National Parks saw record attendance at a time when it is needed most. The Boundary Waters saw record permit distribution.
Camper / RV sales hit record highs. While adding more large vehicles to the roads has its downsides, knowing that families are spending time together, exploring and discovering our great country and each other I hope will create a rebirth of family adventures for generations.
People are adapting to jobs with flexibility and remote working options. The 9 to 5 of the office has been replaced with a work at home approach for many that offers the potential for better life balance. It offers someone the chance to work where they desire to live, rather than live with a desire for a short commute.
People have quit jobs they hate and are willing to downsize to live differently. If there is a true silver lining it is that people have realized life is short and happiness should be what we strive to acheive. We all need to figure out where we find our individual happiness and how we can do that in a way that benefits not only ourselves. Our self centered ways have created the great divide and it’s time to say “ enough”
I wish that woukd fix it all.
The Mirror has two faces 
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