Show Notes: And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about. Haruki Murakami We are far enough along in the pandemic to zoom out and take a broader look at it vs. just keep rehashing statistics of the number of new cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. I encourage you to choose to focus on what you have learned about yourself and life because of it of it.  What lessons have you learned these past two years? More importantly, what have your children learned about themselves and life because of the pandemic? Questions to ask your children: How have you grown? Emotionally? Spiritually? What have you learned about handling your emotions, especially frustration and fear? How have you learned to deal with uncertainty? Change? How did you deal with losses? People, events, experiences What habits or activities did you do that helped your mood and ability to cope? What have you learned about overcoming adversity? What have you learned about your level of resilience? Are you more confident & optimistic? Lessons about creating your own structure for schoolwork and learning? Forced to be more independent & self-motivated How you kept your relationships strong despite social isolation. How did you stay connected? Forced to let go of things we had no control over & decide what you DO have control over? My moods, feelings, reactions, outlook, where I spend my time and energy, who you surround yourself with You can’t calm the storm, so stop trying. What you can do is calm yourself. The storm will pass. Timber Hawkeye Lessons transferable to other adversities, challenges, and obstacles; developing a growth mindset is discussed Gifts: What are some of the gifts you received b/c of covid? More time with family? Closer connections? Started a new hobby? Learned to play an instrument? Did more arts and crafts? Learned to enjoy your alone time? Learned to handle your boredom? All of man’s miseries derive from not being able to sit quietly in a room alone. Blaise Pasqual Spend time reflecting on these questions, journal your answers to internalize the lessons & gifts, discuss as a family; change the focus from loss and negatives to gratitude and growth  

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