Thankful in the Time of Corona

Amidst the worry and uncertainty, there is so much to be thankful for. Sometimes I force myself to write a gratitude list to try to get myself out of a funk, but as I’ve been watching the news today, and seeing the stories of charity and good, I genuinely feel moved to give thanks.

I am thankful I live in Korea. If I had to live in a country to be affected, I am thankful to live in one with world-class healthcare, health insurance, and laboratories. One of the reasons Korea’s numbers are so high is because the country is conducting tests around the clock and diagnosing at a rate unmatched by other countries. Seen in this light, I’m thankful to live in a country that’s thorough about testing and transparent about the situation. Better to know, than not.

I’m thankful for the medical staff and lab technicians and officials who are beyond exhausted and continue to work on the front lines to care for the ill and contain the outbreak. When I think of them, in their full body hazmat suits all day long, I feel ashamed that I’m annoyed I have to wear a mask in public for a few hours.

I am thankful to have a job unaffected by the outbreak, financial stability, and the flexibility to work from home. My heart goes out to the mom and pop shops, small businesses and workers that are facing hardship right now.

I am thankful that my family, friends and I are healthy. (knocks on wood). My heart goes out to those who are not. In Korea, and all over the world.

I feel thankful for the outpouring of good in difficult times. I’d like to hold onto this belief in the good in people whenever the stories of small-mindedness, ignorance and racism start to trickle in.

Finally, I am thankful to you, my online friends, who have showed support here and on Instagram. Thank you for your kind and well wishes. I am sending you all the love.

18 Comments

  1. What a wonderful post and exactly what I need!! You’re so right – there’s lots to be thankful for even or especially in these uncertain times. Keep well and stay safe, my friend! ❤

    Liked by 3 people

  2. It’s nice to see something uplifting. I just read two personal posts on the virus, and a brief look at the comments, range from angry/negative to ‘everything’s fine, stop freaking out’.

    I stand behind my first thoughts on the virus, this is the world’s fire drill on the matter and future pandemics.

    Have to remind myself that we’re as prepared as we can, and despite govt transparency or not, everyone is suffering though one end or another. It’s a reminder of how much we are interdependent on one another.

    Hugs from Thailand!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Fire drill for the future, that sounds about right. If this is to be repeated in the future, I hope both governments and people can learn from this and respond with more wisdom and compassion. As you said, we are so interdependent on one another.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. The BF argues that there is no fire drill, as we’re in the thick of it, but I know this will happen again. Govts are watching how others react, and how the people do as well.

        Liked by 1 person

  3. I’m glad for you, too, and for your positive outlook during such a potentially insane time. I’m most thankful that, as a mother of four young ones, this thing doesn’t affect kids much at all. I would absolutely be out of my mind with worry otherwise. By the way, I wandered over here from Purple Pumpernickel. Happy to make your acquaintance. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hello! Thank you for your comment! I will be honest, there was a bit of a process to get to a place of positivity. Had to go through the uglier, anxious stages before being able to see the light. This was written before Coronavirus panic seemed to explode in other parts of the world. I hope you and your loved ones, and especially your little ones, stay safe and well!

      Liked by 1 person

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