Reminded that even in the midst of what truly is a terrible moment, I have so much to be grateful for!

In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, I headed out late one afternoon to watch sunset from my quiet place in the desert, overlooking Dubai city. I sat peacefully, alone with my own thoughts and the retreating sun. I have always enjoyed sunset, for me it is a clear indicator of infinite hope and calm. This evening however my senses where even more heightened, I was much more aware of the beauty that surrounded me. The warm sand, calm breeze, the smell of fresh air and the ‘blissfully unaware’ birds chirping as the temperature cooled off, allowing them to play excitedly before darkness. The whole experience made me smile (and cry a little), on the inside.

It’s hard not to be overwhelmed by everything COVID-19 as it is wreaking its havoc all over our world. I sometimes feel (in my darker moments) that we are at war. News about our economy, job loss, financial devastation, exhausted healthcare workers, friends testing positive for the virus and fear, oh the fear of it all – becomes almost shattering sometimes, it feels like more than I can bear and I wonder, when will it go away? When will I be able to relax in the knowledge, my daughter is ‘safe’ once more?

When I looked across at the horizon to the power of my sun relaxing, I was reminded that even in the midst of what truly is a terrible moment, I have so much to be grateful for. 

COVID-19 has given me a new outlook. A refreshed appreciation. I no longer rush through my day, oblivious of everything beautiful around me. I feel as though my senses have been awoken, heightened to a new level and for this I will be forever grateful.

Getting in and staying in a mindset of gratitude is not always easy during the difficult moments in our lives, but shifting our focus to the things we can be grateful for is good for our mental health and good for the soul. 

Today I feel ALIVE and for this I am humbly and truly grateful.

 Donna Lee-Elliott