Here’s a photo of the magical experience I got to share with my nephew of flying a kite for the first time.  This picture was snapped moments before a HUGE gust of wind came by, offering the kite a free ride to unchartered territory.  We went from bliss to chaos in a matter of moments with my sister’s partner trying to chase the kite down, my nephew experiencing a flood of emotions, and I standing there not quite knowing how to make things right.  Right before the kite jumped a fence, we were able to catch the string, and bring it back home to fly another day. Whew!

We can’t always predict what happens next in a story. One moment all is well, and the next, we are sitting at home, trying to understand COVID-19 and how to create normalcy for ourselves while being surrounded by a world of crisis and fear. It’s a challenge, and one that we are all experiencing together. Yet despite all of the unknowns, the constant need for flexibility (and toilet paper, apparently), we are truly in the middle of an epic plot twist.  One day, this will be a story that will be shared with future generations- for them to learn about our experiences, our resiliency,  and our ability to adapt in a rapidly changing world. 

A plot twist is defined as an unsuspected occurrence or turn of events that completely changes the direction or outcome of the plot from the direction it was likely to go.  I’d say based on that definition, we are definitely in the middle of one! The potential of a plot twist though, is that our lives are and will change from this experience, and how we choose to live our lives after COVID-19 is no longer an issue…is something worth considering.

Already changes large and small are happening because of COVID-19:   

-We are learning the proper way of washing our hands to keep germ-free.
-China has banned the sale & consumption of wild animals-  an industry worth $74 billion.
-Our climate has become much healthier, with air pollution dropping significantly, more wildlife appearing in water pathways, and a greater appreciation of nature and the benefits it provides us.
-Technology has offered flexible and creative ways to still remain connected, whether it’s a kindergarten story session,  a greeting to an elder relative, a virtual game night with friends around the world, or working remotely to continue supporting one another as best we can.
-Perhaps we are reviving a simpler way of living, and learning to appreciate it in all its aspects…such as realizing that wearing PJ’s was the way to go, all along!

So the question is- what will you choose to remember about this time of plot twists in your life story? And when we reach the end of this, what are the learnings that you are going to bring forward with you?

By the way- want to join in for a month of unique ideas and good moments? Join me on Instagram and Facebook for the month of April- where I am offering “Something Good with Joyna”- each and every day! I’d love to see you there and share in something good.

Until we are able to meet in person, I wish you health, safety, and good moments, wherever you are in the world~

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