I try. I try to keep smiling even when things are tough because I know all things come to an end, the good and the bad. Life is a series of endings, but it’s what you do in the middle—how you handle challenges and the memories you make—that matter the most.
I’m a busy body who loves to be out and about. After spending 3 months on sick leave at the end of 2019 into 2020, I thought that I’d mastered the art of staying home. Now, amid COVID, I’m sitting at home trying to find things to do and figure out what this experience is meant to teach me. I’m ready to go out and explore, but here I am, back at home—again. And yes, I keep smiling.
As I scroll through social media, all I see are reminders of my isolation: pictures and videos of couples doing everything –and nothing –together. The point is, they are together.
My heart hurts a little, not because I am jealous, but because I wish I had a partner to share these times—and my life with. I wallowed in sorrow for a moment, and then I began counting my blessings.
As I pored over my long list of things I am grateful for (in my head), my heart began to shift. I feel whole again. I remember that many things are out of my control, so I let them go and let God.
When I lose focus and get caught in my feelings, I take the time to tune into my intuition and tap into the healing methods that are best for me in that moment. For the past little while, Amethyst and Moonstone have been with me as I navigate my loneliness in isolation.
These crystals remind me to remain grateful for my health and my breath. They remind me that “this too shall pass,” to enjoy the present moment because it will never come again and that I'm never really alone. Plus, being alone is also a blessing.
Finally, they remind me to keep smiling because the world needs it. A smile is a language understood around the world. A smile can warm a stranger’s heart from six feet away and make them feel less alone. Smile, the world needs it.