Life has been extremely challenging. Along with everyday stresses, Covid has put many people over the top during 2020. Disturbingly, no end to this pandemic seems to be in sight. Vaccines are not far off, yet the numbers are on the rise.

For those of us living above the equator, this does not bode well for the winter season. What is one to do? My response as always – you must keep going, searching for the glimmer of hope during this on-going bleak season.

Choose to Be Open to the Possibilities

Recently, I turned 63 years of age. I am there, along with many Sexagenarians. You cannot live this long without suffering from disappointments and the unfairness of life. You have a choice, however.

Either you can wallow in the inequities that may have visited you more than others, or you can revel in the fact that you are alive and have the opportunity to be open to the possibilities.

What are the possibilities, you might ask? Well, that depends on you. Are you isolated and depressed? If so, I get it, but the most significant response to this is action.

We have many tools available to us that did not exist during the era of the Spanish Flu, never mind the Bubonic Plague, which returned intermittently for many centuries.

You may say that these tools, which include Zoom, Facetime, Skype, etc. are not the same as connecting with someone in the flesh. I agree with you, but what are you going to do?

Although these encounters may produce fatigue, what if they did not exist? How about if you did not have a radio, television, a computer, online shopping for food and other necessities? How would life be for you?

Do Not Give Up Until It Is Your “The End”

Although life may seem monotonous under Covid, it is also an opportunity to learn something new. I sit with people close to septuagenarians taking classes and learning a new language on such apps as Duolingo.

Maybe that is not of interest to you, but choices for unique learning abound. Please do not say you are too old for more knowledge. This pursuit should never cease to exist until your “The End” arrives.

Yes, you may be exhausted from this endless pandemic and believe you have tried everything to keep busy and distracted by other ventures. What are you supposed to do if there is no end in sight, and it goes beyond winter? My response is that you must count your blessings.

Being alive provides you with the chance to do something new. What is that, you might ask? I do not know. The clue lies within you. If you are fatigued by Zoom and everything else virtual, how about inquiring into volunteer opportunities?

They may be virtual or may not, but they indeed exist. The beauty of this activity of serving others is that it can take you away from your stressful situation. Volunteering in some form can not only elevate you but help you see that your plight is not so weary compared to others.

Opportunities Are Endless

As I mentioned above, there are many opportunities for you to connect with others. Even if you are not an extrovert, you can pursue endeavors inclusive but not necessarily forcing you to be in the spotlight.

The most important thing is to maintain an open mind. This outlook is essential for everyone, especially those who use age as an excuse to avoid new adventures.

There are many Black Swans in life, and for those of us living in the 21st century, the pandemic is the most unexpected one. Who would have thought with modernity that such an unwieldy virus could impact the entire world? Well, as we know, it has.

Consequently, the decision is ours on how to handle it daily. We can immerse ourselves in lemons, or we can make lemonade. As you know, my position is that there is no choice. Lemonade is the only remedy to keep us going.

How often do you remind yourself that you need to keep going despite the challenges life throws your way? What strategies have worked for you? What opportunities have you embraced since the pandemic started? How have they changed your life? Please use the comment box below to share your thoughts.