There’s a lot of noise in this quiet time.
We may all be in the same storm, but we are not in the same boat. That’s something I heard recently and internalized. This is not a time for generalizations or judgment. It’s a time for charity, civic duty, social responsibility, and kindness. Some are struggling to make ends meet, unsafe or lonely in their homes. Others are appreciating the slow down of life, maybe even thriving.
While it’s massively unfair to make sweeping statements at this time, I’m going to make one. One unifying truth is that there is a silver lining to be uncovered and appreciated. Whether it’s the earth healing, more time with family, picking up a new hobby, or enjoying a much needed rest, we can all find a benefit, however small, from the state of our world.
For me, I’ve had fun dreaming up new projects with Mark, beginning to write a book, and watching all of the Star Wars movies in order (we finished the day before May the Fourth/Star Wars Day which I find delightfully ironic). For the past two weeks, we’ve been in Seattle helping out friends with e-learning and enjoying their company and beautiful home in Seattle. Check Mark’s insta for the shenanigans and the cutest puppy Corgi named Pickle.
I also asked some of the athletes how they’re doing, specifically — What’s one positive outcome of COVID-19? Their answers were inspiring and encouraging, offering myriad ways to cope and garner meaning from this. I know we’re all dying to get out on the beach to play the sport we love. But at least for now, your AVP athletes are doing just fine.
Ryan Doherty
I’ve started learning VBA for Excel and Python. I’m still a complete novice, but as someone who is not particularly tech-savvy, it is interesting to learn how a program interacts and interprets the commands a user gives it.
Karissa Cook
Catching up on sleep! For the first time in years I’m actually getting more than six or seven hours and it’s been amazing. I also have had the chance to play Skyrim again and I missed that game dearly – after nine years it still holds up as one of the best games of all time. Currently taking recommendations on what to play next.
Irene Pollock
I’ve been so thankful to have all of this time with my husband, especially before our lives change with our little babe! Life passes by so fast when we’re in our daily routine, so it’s been incredible to be able to slow down and concentrate on what really matters in life.
DJ Roueche
Seeing the resiliency of some friends and family that are making the best out of a bad situation.
It keeps me inspired and motivated during a time of uncertainty.
Sarah Pavan
I have finally started working on projects that I have been meaning to tackle for a long time, but just never got around to doing. I have been connecting more with my family and had more time for my hobbies!
Phil Dalhausser
I learned how to bake! Can’t beat freshly baked bread!
Kim DiCello
I have gotten back into cycling. I forgot how much I love being on the bike, even though it requires wearing dorky spandex and a helmet. I’ve had more time to cook for the family. I love preparing meals and it’s been fun to try new recipes. The gluten-free Dutch baby I made Easter morning was amazing. And I’m learning what I used to take for granted – a walk on the beach, gathering with friends, exploring different stands at the farmer’s market, and a nice haircut. I will now appreciate all of these things much more!
Raffe Paulis
I have way more energy for the gym and I am getting really good at Fortnite
Ed Ratledge
The silver linings are numerous — you might even call them golden linings because we can’t rewind the hands of time, and I have definitely gotten to spend a lot more time with my kids.
Societally, I think that this is going to be something that makes us actually focus on and address climate change. Climate change is a much slower rolling version of the pandemic. We’ve started listening to our scientists. We’d better continue on that path or we’re screwed.
Emily Day
I started a book club. I’ve also been wanting to try to tutor virtually so that when I am on the road I can do it and now I am forced to. We’ve gotten to know our neighbors and neighborhood a lot better by taking walks, participating in neighborhood easter egg hunts, and frequenting our local businesses.
Billy Allen
I’ve gotten plenty of time to work on my sequel novel Dark Blood. It’s been nice to have another goal to focus on and stay productive. If we stay quarantined long enough, I could have it ready by summer!
Traci Callahan
I have spent a lot of time with my mom and dad. It’s been so wonderful.
Maddison McKibbin
I’m having the time of my life. Everyone in my household has come into my world of making videos, and it’s awesome. It’s an opportunity to do things that you never thought you had time to do.
Jeremy Casebeer
There’s a lot of things I’ve been wanting to do for a long time. I got into photography last year, and now I’m working on the ins and outs of video editing. It’s something I’ve always wanted to learn but just haven’t had the time to go through it. It’s a time to reflect, to think about what’s important and where you want to go.
Kelley Larsen Kolinske
I have been able to spend so much time with my new hubby. We didn’t think we would be seeing much of each other for about five months with the busy 2020 FIVB schedule and Olympic Qualification. We’ve basically had a seven-week quarantined honeymoon!
Chase Frishman
This time has forced me inward to a space that has been uncomfortable yet full of growth. For example – I have done a lot of staring at my guitar with a romantic look of a man that thinks it’ll learn itself. I have found time to create and get in touch with my right side brain, use colors, and find a different version of flow. I love to cook, so I have had opportunities to nourish that gift. Nature is more beautiful and more appreciated – I hugged three trees today, and that ties my record for the month. I spent six hours on a puzzle using every ounce of my competitive muscle — seriously grinded that one out. I am starting a new healing profession called Reiki. I’m pretty much a master after my two YouTube classes. We’ll see if I stick to it. I have the attention span of a chipmunk in a carwash lately, so I may be knitting sweater vests for endangered elephant seal pups in the morning. Oh the adventure. Keep smiling, or laughing maniacally, or whatever you do in quarantine. It’s getting interesting. I’m having fun. I swear.
Corinne Quiggle
I’ve been able to study German like crazy! I’m going to come out of this much better at this language which is awesome.
Megan Rice
I just bought my own place, so one positive that came out of this for me is having more time to get moved and situated in my new home. However, the biggest positive is being able to spend more time with my family (who I’m living with). As I’m sure most of us are, I’m a very on-the-go person, so it’s nice to be able to slow down, spend time with my thoughts, and hang out with my loved ones.
Jace Pardon
I became certified to teach English as a second language. I also love that I am able to spend more time with loved ones!
Amanda Dowdy
It’s forced me to cook all my meals at home. I’ve saved money and have expanded my horizons on recipes I love. Also it gave the opportunity to move to Texas and be near family – that has been the biggest blessing of all.
Emily Hartong
My ball control. Around my apartment, I’ll casually work on my one arm touches as well as my hand sets (successfully avoiding the TV and decor). Ironically, I haven’t put hardly any time into my side gig/hobby, which is a small jewelry business. I have another job where I work remotely and those hours have increased a ton since quarantine, which is great but also doesn’t leave a ton of time for my side hustle. But those looking to finally start up your small business or put more time into a desired hobby, now is the time! I highly encourage it because that alone brings so much joy to one’s life
Janelle Allen
We’ve been cooking more family meals and trying homemade versions of things – homemade tortillas, pizza dough, focaccia bread. Also, the Slick family pancake recipe is a new favorite.
Jess Gaffney
One positive thing that has come from this quarantine for me is that I am getting creative in the kitchen and cooking a lot. I am really enjoying reigniting my passion for cooking and food and love making delicious meals to share with my loved ones.
Carly Wopat
I’ve been cooking and eating a lot of delicious new things! My family has been on rotation with dinner responsibilities, and of course, it has gotten competitive. We all want to out-do the previous dinners, so boldness and innovation keep escalating, and our meals are quite incredible. I smoked a brisket on my first night using my dad’s Traeger. That’s the first time I’ve ever smoked anything. Jackson made chicken piccata one of his nights. My mom went all out with a breakfast buffet recently. Eli made BBQ chicken & home-made cornbread. And for Easter, my dad shoved a chicken inside of a turkey (a turken) and smoked it. Aggressive. But SO GOOD.