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I have learned to be more grateful in the small day to day moments, appreciating the small things, and not racing from one thing to the next. Nothing is promised in this life, and we must appreciate every moment. I am seeking to live a simpler life in all ways.

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MPHS Board Members were asked to comment on the Covid-19 Pandemic that most of us have survived.  Here is my thoughts in list format.  We've survived!!!
Jill Friedrichs, February 2022

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The pandemic has forced me to slow down and take stock in what is important. I have taken up meditation to not only cope with the constant changes brought on by the pandemic but also as a way to help me stay in the present.

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The pandemic has taught me to be more patient, with myself, with others, and with the world. There has been so much uncertainty over the past two years that it's easy to become overwhelmed by all the things I can't do or can't change. We're all stuck waiting for circumstances to improve, but until then I've tried to be patient and find joy in the waiting. Even in this "new normal" there are new moments to celebrate and appreciate!

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I am normally calm and "roll with it" person. If I get upset, it doesn't stay with me for long.   I have been more affected by the stress that pervades the world, community and friends  the longer this world crisis has stretched out.   I've had to work to stay optimistic and pragmatic about problems.  It's harder now but it has taught me a lot about myself.  We are all going through various stages of stress, grief and happiness.

The feeling of helplessness to control what is happening around us  - affects everyone so differently.  I've learned to have even more empathy and understanding of what I may not understand.

I learned how important it is to see people's smiles and reactions to the casual hello.  With masks you are smiling but no one knows. Only your eyes may or may not portray.  It is such an odd feeling to want to smile and be seen as friendly and supportive but realize that mask prevents it.  However, I'm all for masks for however long the health officials want us to wear and sense the masks will become part of us for certain situations forever.

Just getting out after the initial lockdown taught me not to take going to the grocery for granted!  or other routine activities which are not so routine anymore.  And I turned into someone who orders online a lot - I had never done much previously very often.

I'm greatly saddened by the polarization of the country and the world.  It keeps us from being unified to work through this challenge to find a new inevitable norm that works for all.

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I learned to be more grateful!  It was such an intense, isolating time.  Me and a few friends started sending each other daily gratefulness reminders.  We’d write five things we were grateful for each day.  It could be anything.  It was a way to stay connected, current and grateful!

We are still practicing gratefulness and have recruited others! It really has made a difference in how we look at things on a daily basis. I know I am much more positive, happy and grateful!

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Prior to the pandemic, I didn't consider myself to be someone who needed a lot of social interaction. During the shelter at home mandate, I quickly realized I do rely on quite a bit of social interaction daily outside of my home -- seeing friends, talking with the clerk at the grocery store, saying "Hello" to neighbors, etc. After the shelter at home mandate was lifted, I really learned not to take those little daily interactions for granted.

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I have learned to roll with the punches, as they say, and there have been a lot of punches during this pandemic. We had a son's wedding postponed (but eventually accomplished) and an international trip cancelled twice.

I have also learned that everyone - even people you have known well for years - reacts differently to this type of stress. You cannot predict the pandemic attitudes of even your best friends. They are all dealing with unique circumstances based on their own health, the health of their family members and their political perspectives.

Has it changed me? Unfortunately, I am no longer an optimist. But I am still working hard NOT to become a pessimist!