A Focus on the Positive: Hidden Benefits of the Past Two Years

I think we can all agree that Covid sucks. While masks and vaccines are a hotly debated topic, the fact that the pandemic has caused extraordinary inconvenience (to put it lightly) on everyone’s lives is not. It has officially been two long years of uncertainty, chaos, conflict, and constant change.

When reflecting on these past two years, it’s easy to focus on the negative. But are there any good things that have happened because of Covid? I mean surely there must be something. I decided to take on this challenge with both seriousness and humor. I now present my list of all the positive things pandemic life brought into my life.

No Toddler Tantrums at Target

My family has been fairly cautious during Covid. As a result, most errands that in “normal times” I would take my children on have become solo missions. While this is a slight inconvenience, it also has the benefit of limiting the number of public temper tantrums. With their tempting treats and shiny toys, grocery stores and Target are essentially breeding grounds for temper tantrums. Thank you Covid for allowing me to postpone this public display of my child’s relentless will.

No Lingering Questions about Homeschooling

I love my children and I love spending time with them. But I’m going to be honest, having them leave the house to go to school is a blessing for both them and me. Let me be clear…I’m not opposed to the concept of homeschooling. I am opposed to the idea of homeschooling MY children.

And I am thankful that I am not a teacher

Simply put – I am not cut out to be a teacher. Whoever is, thank you!

My toddler has stopped hugging random strangers

Stranger danger never existed for my child. If anything it was the complete opposite. He would literally walk up to complete strangers to give them hugs. Not Oops I thought you were my mom, but like literally Hello stranger it’s nice to meet you and invade your personal space. The six-feet rule definitely helped in breaking this habit.

An excuse for saying No

Despite my husband’s efforts, I am a homebody. I would rather throw on comfy clothes, eat ice cream, and go to bed early than get dressed up for a night out. I have loved not doing my makeup and agonizing over what to wear. Don’t get me wrong…I love trying new restaurants and getting together with my friends. But if you ask if I’d rather go out or stay in, I’d choose to stay in (with friends, takeout, and ice cream of course). Covid has provided me with a perfect excuse for staying home. In fact, I have gotten so good at it that sometimes I worry about re-entering real life.

Early bedtime

This is very closely related to the point stated above. I love sleeping. While most people have been catching up on Netflix during Covid, I have been catching up on sleep. I choose sleep over a movie or TV show any day. Limited nights out have made it easier to capitalize on early nights in. And I’m not complaining about it.

I could compete as a Food Network Chopped contestant

We all remember the early days of Covid when you had to place a curbside grocery pick up two weeks in advance. Planning ahead and meal prepping have never been my strengths. As a result, I became really good at making a meal out of the random odds and ends that I found in my fridge and pantry. The Chopped Kitchen is nothing compared to having a bare fridge with a picky toddler and hangry husband.

I have become a skilled bread maker

While some people experimented with banana bread (I already have a favorite recipe) and sourdough (not a huge fan), I became hooked on perfecting my walnut raisin bread. I researched various recipes, tried out different methods, and aimed for the best bread to raisin to walnut ratio. All modesty aside, I like to think I became pretty skilled.

The joys of working from home

I went back and forth on adding this one to the list.  It has its pluses and minuses. That being said, I have decided that the pros far outweigh the cons. Having the ability to work from home has been a game-changer for me both personally and professionally.

What are some of the positives the past two years have brought to your life? 


 

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Elyssa Gottheim
Elyssa was born and raised in Houston. Deciding to try out life in the cold weather, Elyssa attended University of Michigan for undergrad and University of Chicago for grad school. After obtaining her LCSW {licensed clinical social worker}, Elyssa decided that she was not cut out for the cold and moved back to Houston in 2012. Shortly after her move, Elyssa met her husband, Paul. Elyssa and Paul have been married for 6 years and have two children – Henry {October 2018} and Josephine {March 2021}. After working in schools, hospitals, and community clinics, Elyssa currently has a private practice where she specializes in working with children, adolescents, young adults, and parents. When she isn’t working or chasing after her kids, Elyssa’s favorite activities can be described as the ultimate mom cliché – baking, working out, and napping. Elyssa is a huge fan of trying new restaurants and dining spots especially if it involves any form of dessert!

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