All too often our pursuit of accomplishing our agenda means we don’t see what is happening around us. We focus on what is wrong, we have become satiated with pandemic news from around the world, we think about what bothers us, rather than what pleases us. There are positives, not always obvious but there are many in Cambridge and our region. You just may have to look a little harder.
During the last two years of frustration, lockdown, and less social interaction, many people have begun new hobbies, some increasing the time devoted to ones in which they were already involved. Below are a few I have enjoyed, brought to me by others. Social media has its advantages.
An artist friend of mine, already an accomplished water colourist, has taken many online workshops increasing her skills. She has subsequently sought out exhibitions across the globe in which to participate and submitted her work, internationally, nationally, as well as a locally…some online and others in which she has kept Canada Post happy by mailing her paintings.
Her paintings have been included in exhibitions in France, Finland, Turkey, Ukraine, Poland, Japan, United States, Albania, Russia, and Vietnam as well as many online international exhibitions. She has turned the pandemic into a positive gain. Since early 2020, she has deservedly been juried into many international venues. Numerous times receiving TOP 200, TOP 80, and Top 50 Merit Awards out of four thousand international entries. This is a positive outcome and productive use of her extra time now her life has slowed down.
Another friend, a knitter, has knit more than 70 pairs of socks, her patterns became more intricate and detailed every month with wonderful colourful combinations, she has gifted them to friends and family.
One of my most appreciated positives has been seeing the large number of excellent local photographers capturing local scenes. The abundance of wildlife, of glorious sunsets, flowing and ice- jammed rivers and every variety of snow scene. We live in a very photographic area and many have honed their talents.
One dear friend of mine who walks miles for his mental health, camera slung around his neck, has captured some incredible shots of birds and wildlife on his daily walks. He has become one with nature. The animals and birds he encounters respond to his presence, they feel comfortable around him, as he does with them, they trust he is their friend.
He has called the Waterloo Region Wildlife rescue to report injured foxes, duck bills wrapped with wire, a swan with a broken wing. He looks at things in detail from a different perspective and has taught many of us to see beyond a quick glimpse. He captures unusual shots of peregrine falcons, hawks, bald eagles, ospreys, kingfishers, and a wide range of other species. He posts online every night for his fans to follow, and we look forward to his sharing, a privilege for us.
A Cambridge artist and Kitchener playwright have collaborated worldwide with poets, and dancers, to produce some amazing videos incorporating all their work. A new and most successful venture.
The love of gardening increased exponentially during the spring, summer, and fall. Hundreds of newcomers enjoyed growing flowers, vegetables, planting trees. Reading about and finding answers to their gardening questions. The results help heal our souls as well as the earth.
Others have learned to cook, taken online courses from top chefs, greatly increasing their culinary skills, offering them to family and sharing with friends. We have been the appreciative recipients of several such gifts.
One of my time fillers was writing a collection of stories and memories from my life as a legacy for my children. I loved the weekly process of sending answers to asked questions to StoryWorth; an online site that at year end turns them into a beautiful hardback book. Over the last two years I have completed three volumes, giving me a great feeling of accomplishment. This would probably not have happened without extra time given by the pandemic restrictions. I have read many more books than usual, there have been an increase of good, first time, new authors, more than in non pandemic years.
Searching for the positive outcomes from others certainly has helped me. The few I mention barely scratch the surface of the positive outcomes, but under their influence as we search and share the positive stories of human kindnesses we too, are changed. We thank those who gave all they could in health care, in education, and those who came out of retirement to offer their services and experience to others. It all helps combat the negative. Meanwhile “Think Spring” Stay safe, find something no matter how small to smile about, we will get through this eventually.
