It’s no secret that the coronavirus pandemic has greatly affected our everyday lives. Masks have become the norm, socializing has reached a minimum, and the world, as we know it, has forever changed. However, regardless of the bad that came with COVID-19, I’ve managed to find some of the good. I’ve included a list below, outlining the “little things in life” that I’ve learned to appreciate within the last year:
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Quality time with friends and family.
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Outdoor adventures.
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Driving at sunset while blasting music at full volume.
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Facetimes that last for hours.
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Picnics on the beach.
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Sitting by the firepit, surrounded by the people I love.
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Night swims.
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The way the sun hits my window in the late afternoon.
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Waking up to the sound of birds chirping.
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Coffee and bagel runs.
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My dog’s tail, wagging in excitement.
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Sun showers.
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The smell of freshly cut grass.
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Walking through the city when no one else is awake.
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The season’s first snowfall.
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Socially-distant visits with grandparents.
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Finding new music and listening to that one song on repeat for days.
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Late night philosophical conversations.
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Winter dinners moved outside.
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Hugs/physical touch.
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Conversations with strangers on the Green Line.
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Early morning drives to Cape Cod.
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The sound of waves crashing against the shore.
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Contagious laughter.
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And SO much more!
March 2020 – March 2021: A year of ups and downs. From months of quarantine and isolation, to testing positive for COVID-19, to making life-long friends, to entertaining new experiences, this past year has no doubt been one for growth. The most important lesson I’ve learned is that you never truly cherish things until they’re gone. By appreciating the “little things” in my life, I’ve come to understand that a break from the fast-paced nature of reality was much needed in order to step back and acknowledge the beauty of life itself in all its depth. Our lives are gifts that keep giving; you can always find some positivity, even in the most negative of moments.