Almost everyone has been complaining about this year (and rightfully so) because schedules were disrupted, jobs were lost, loved ones passed on… but if you are reading this right now, you have survived the pandemic and can still afford an internet enabled device with some data to spare. My heart goes out to everyone who is suffering in some way or another, but I would like to challenge you pick out a few of the good bits swimming in the pool of pain. I’ve personally been thinking around this myself after reading Ky’s post about her positivity jar and thought we could all benefit from this.

So here’s the scoop, when life gives you lemons you should:
Remember that you are alive
It is as simple as that! Life is a gift that cannot be taken for granted – and boy oh boy do we all know that this year has been a reminder of that. My husband and I have made some strange financial decisions this year that I personally wouldn’t have approved otherwise, but knowing that we have worked so hard and may not always be around to reap the fruits of our labour has been the scariest feeling. I challenge you to live as though tomorrow is not promised – within reason of course! I’m not saying you should go out and buy an island, but do something special for yourself. Make a lemonade.
Remember that you have food to eat
During the start of the pandemic, what worried me most was the people begging on the streets. When the roads were empty and everyone was laying low, how did they manage to get some food? What about those that lost their jobs and still have families to feed? I’m not trying to dull your mood – quite the opposite actually! When you’re feeling low, try and do something nice for someone else. You’d be surprised at how much such a kind act can boost your spirits on top of changing someone else’s day or even their whole world. They say sharing is caring and I definitely agree with this. As humans, feeling as though we are part of a community is really priceless, so why not help a person in need? Make a lemonade.
Remember that you have time
I’ve seen many students worried about their grades, not sure exactly how the year will affect their time lines. I’ve seen others who graduated and didn’t find jobs right away because companies are downsizing. There are some couples that planned on tying the knot or building their dream houses before Covid brought all to a halt. Don’t worry, you have time and you will get there. Take this time to focus on your personal growth, to learn new things, or to plan to perfection. And what about love? Well you don’t need to have the big party to make a covenant to your partner… maybe even just sign the papers and celebrate when the world goes back to normal? Remember to be flexible, Make a lemonade.
Remember that things will all be okay in the end
I’m not a fortune teller and I definitely do now know what your circumstances are, but there is almost always a solution to everything. One thing that comforts me a lot is knowing that the view is prettiest at the summit, but the journey isn’t supposed to be easy. Take each experience as a chance to grow and learn more about yourself, your capabilities, your ability to persevere -just make sure not to give up!
I’ll leave it at that for now. Have a blessed week!
Nice post! We should be really thankful for what we have in this difficult time. People are going through so many problems; all I want in this weird time is just to see the normal world back.
Yep you’re spot on! I think we all want some normalcy in our lives – hopefully that comes through soon! 💖
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Lovely post Shelly. 🙂
I’ve been through a really rough patch these past few weeks and the only thing that has kept me going is gratitude for the good things I still have going on. Better days are yet to come.
Thanks for reading and commenting Yinda. You’re right, better days are yet to come, please don’t lose hope! 💖
Beautiful post. ❤️ I’m also feeling for people who lost their jobs, their loved ones, got infected or affected by COVID-19 in any other way.
I’m feeling grateful that the pandemic haven’t affected my life negatively (trying not to jinx it here) apart from rather minor challenges.
Thanks for the love Toma! You won’t jinx it 😉 by try to stay positive if things do go against what you’d planned!
What a positive post. I needed to read that before work this morning because yesterday was the WORST day I have had at work in years. I should print this and put it on my desk!
Oh gosh I’m glad it spoke to you but also sad that it did. I hope everything is ok with you now? Sending love from South Africa 💖
Thanks Shelly! Today started out bad but got better later in the day. LOL 💕
Thank you for these positive toughts. I have come to realize that choosing to focus on our positives does not belittle the suffering others experience. The world is on fire but we can still find good things that will help is carry on. Lovely post.
Thanks for the positive feedback Micah 💖 you’re absolutely right, looking at the positive does not belittle feelings. I find that it actually empowers!
Yes!!! Love everything about this post! 🤗👏❤ (Except I don’t actually like the taste of lemonade; so I will make iced tea instead 😉 Just a little nugget of info about me 😁)
LOL 😂 how are you THAT person? Make a lemon tart, or a lemon cake 😅 I’m glad you enjoyed and that you are also a weirdo who doesn’t like something normal. Welcome to the club!
😂🤣 I embrace my weirdoness! Well more like flaunt it 😁 There’s a lot of “normal” stuff I don’t like including coffee, wine, and light bulbs brighter than 60 watts. 🤓
Omg you are my blog sister when it comes to the coffee 💖😍
This was much needed, Thank you and being optimistic goes a long way❤️ Make lemonade when life throws lemons at you 😩 cause 2020 isn’t giving the lemons but throwing ‘em.
💖💖💖 I hope you have a really good lemonade out of that one! Hugs
I love your lemony take on life! And agree with you wholeheartedly. 2020 has been a challenge like never before – for all of us, but some more than others. But if we take a step back, there’s still things to be thankful for. Thanks for the positive vibes!
Great read. I have a similar take on this. When life gives you lemons, make whatever you want, become an alchemist. In contemporary society alchemy is a term used to describe the ability that people have to manifest personal change. Inner alchemy provides us the means to better understand ourselves, the Universe we live in and our purpose in life. I explore this subject in my latest blog article https://authorjoannereed.net/when-life-gives-you-lemon-makes-lemonade/. Feel free to check it out!