Five Silver Linings from 2021

Pandemic-related terminology crept into our vocabulary in 2020 and became mainstays in 2021. Not only do the terms appear here to stay, they’re leading conversation topics. They do, after all, define great changes in the way we do life.

And although much of the change was unwelcome, silver linings can be found. Some of the changes are positive and worth cultivating. May they become mainstays in our lives.

Five New Terms and the Silver Linings Found

1. The Term: Supply Chain

Supply Chain takes top billing. I’ve a friend waiting for a sofa ordered in July.  Popular gifts weren’t available for Christmas. Many factors — from port congestion to pallet shortages — factored in. Yet, we found we could make do with less.

The Silver Lining: Lean on Others

We learned to meet our needs in other ways. We turned to neighbors and leaned on friends, both which offer nice dividends. Missing gifts didn’t reduce our Christmas joy. Life went on without those “essential” items.

2. The Term: Food Insecure

More people than ever before are hungry. My church packed weekend lunch sacks for kids who depend on school meals for nourishment long before the pandemic. As schools shifted to online learning, the need to feed greatly increased. Massive job loss added even more households to the classification.

The Silver Lining: Lend a Helping Hand

Opportunities to serve popped up everywhere. The extra time on our hands led to a more hands-on approach for hubby and me. We prepared lunches for hungry adults. We put up stock for a local ministry. We delivered groceries to the isolated. It opened our eyes to dire circumstances and proved more meaningful than simply donating money. We receive more than we give.

3. The Term: Reduced Capacity

Reduced Capacity means we encounter fewer people when we’re out, and more than likely we’re out less. The “Help Wanted” signs in restaurants and shops result in longer waits for service.

The Silver Lining: Go Slow

 Less people in stores, restaurants, and the workplace equals less hustle and bustle. Our pace slows because our internal rhythm adjusts to our environment. A slower pace is good for our health. Our heartrate slows, and we breathe more easily. We have time to notice the beauty around us and find calm in it.

4. The Term: Social Distancing

Working from home to maintain social distance taught us much. First, it is entirely possible and predictions are the trend becomes permanent.

The Silver Lining: Live in the Now

It’s ironic that social distancing drew us closer than ever before. Hungry for faces, we seek eye contact when we do cross paths with others. Hungry for smiles, we’re more likely to interact with strangers. We pay attention as we practice being fully present. I now prefer talking on the phone over texting.

Silver Linings 2021 It’s ironic that social distancing drew us closer than ever before. #silverlining #goodbye2021 Share on X

5. The Term: Flatten the Curve

As the number of Covid-19 cases climbed, scientists referred to the importance of flattening the curve in order to manage the virus. The pandemic also resulted in Americans flattening the curve on consumerism.

The Silver Lining: Be a Contributor Rather Than a Consumer

Whether because of reduced production, reduced income, or a reduced workforce, our focus shifted from accumulating stuff. Or maybe it’s because we’re figuring out what’s really important in life. My daughter’s New Year’s resolution is to spend more time collecting memories and less time collecting things.

I’m as eager for “normalcy” as anyone. Not only did the pandemic change the way we do life, it also changed us. Let’s together resolve to hang on to the positives while letting go the negatives as we recover in 2022!

Every cloud has a silver lining.Please share in the comments below one you experienced in 2021 as we turn our faces toward the new year. Looking forward to connecting with you!