https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0d7rnA24Sr0
Below is the edited transcript of the video above:
Lenin — the Soviet guy, not the Beatles guy — once said that “There are decades when nothing happens, and there are weeks when decades happen.”
Right now, we’re living in a time when it feels like decades are compressed into weeks. The world is changing so very fast, and much of what’s happening is disturbing.
Whatever you’re feeling right now, I want you to know two things. First, you’re not alone. In fact, this pandemic, and all the chaos that surrounds it, is something we’re all facing together. And our team at Food Revolution Network is here with you, every step of the way, to provide you with whatever support we can.
And second, in every crisis, in every tragedy, in every breakdown, there are usually some good things that eventually emerge. Sometimes they’re hard to find. I know that sometimes I don’t even want to look for them. But my experience is that the hardest things I’ve ever gone through in my life have been, eventually, my greatest teachers.
Finding the Silver Lining
We know that gratitude is good for us. Studies show that when you write down things that you’re grateful for, or express appreciation, it doesn’t just make you feel better, it also makes things get better. And it doesn’t just make you more aware of the glass-half-full side of things; it actually makes the glass fuller. It turns out that gratitude is good for your hormonal balance, your digestion, and even your life expectancy.
Now you might be saying, “Ocean, get over it. This is not the time for gratitude. Do you realize how bad things are right now?” To which I’d say this:
Right now, the media is saturated with bad news. We’re hearing about death counts, and illness, and financial stress, and so many scary and painful things. And all of that is real and important — and deserves our attention.
At the same time, what I want to ask you is: Might there be any silver linings to these clouds? Any opportunities that are present in the midst of this pandemic, either for you personally or for all of us collectively? Is there anything that you hope humanity could learn from this? Or any possible goodness you can see coming from it for you or your family?
Hard Times Make Great Teachers
For example, I know that our family’s been spending more time gardening, more time cooking together, and more time sitting down for shared meals. To be totally honest with you, since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I think I’ve been a better dad.
And something about an awareness of my own mortality has me taking my loved ones less for granted. I’m telling people I love them more. I feel more aware of the vulnerability that we all share, and in some odd way, in the midst of all the social distancing, I feel more connected to the world around me.
I’m not the only one. In fact, some friends of mine created an entire website devoted to sharing inspiring and uplifting stories of everyday heroes who are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic with generosity and love.
I don’t know if you can relate to any of this, or if you’ve had a totally different experience. But I would like to invite you, in the comments below, to share what you think.
I invite you to complete this sentence:
“If there are lessons that humanity might learn from this pandemic, I hope they are…”
I can’t wait to see what you write.
Tell us in the comments
- Complete this sentence: If there are lessons that humanity might learn from this pandemic, I hope they are…
- Have you found any silver linings during the coronavirus pandemic, for yourself personally, or for our world?
- How are you staying connected during this time of social distancing?
Feature image: iStock.com/Onfokus
