Skip to content

Importance of kindness, slowing down, and creating joy: What Saultites have learned during one year of COVID

The last year has certainly had its downs, but as we mark the one-year anniversary of COVID impacting our lives, it is time to reflect on some of the good, too
davey home 2
Anonymous snowshoers paint a heart and a message in the snow to F.J Davey Home residents. Photo supplied by Jeff Boyle

We have officially been navigating the COVID-19 pandemic for one year.

Last week, we asked all of you what life lessons you've learned over the last 365 days.

It appears as though many Saultites have tried to take the hardship in stride, learning to be kinder, more appreciative human beings.

Some of us embraced the opportunity to explore our own backyard. Some have taken up creative hobbies, while others were reminded how short and precious life and time with loved ones really is.

Here's what you said:

The wealth of silence

"I experienced the wealth of silence. My life has always been busy busy, I literally stopped in my tracks. Appreciate the little things, like baking, talking on the phone, Facebook connections.

I felt a sense of inclusion, as everyone was in the same state as I was. I learned to appreciate and tell my family how I loved them, how I would never take them for granted. I managed to increase my financial situation, as travel was limited and I could enjoy the small things like a Staycation, which cost nothing at all.

My cats loved the extra attention given to them, my neighbours in my complex became very important to me as a need for social contact.

I reflect on all the lives lost to this pandemic, and I pray that they find peace and one day get the proper closure they need."

– Franca Foggia

Relaxing at home, embracing the outdoors

"So many lessons taught. I enjoy the outdoors everyday now, and I’ve learned how to relax a bit! I enjoyed my home like never before, with life being so busy. And met my amazing neighbours finally after 11 years of living here!"

– Carey-Lynn Mount

Be kind to others and yourself

"The struggle is real.

I learned we are all in the same storm, but are in different boats. Everyone’s situation is different, and we need to make the best of our own situation.

Time is precious and to be kind is the best thing you can be. Self-care is important to be your best self."

– Patti Smith

Importance of family

"Never take time with family for granted."

 – Jeremy Smith

Life can change in a heartbeat

"The pandemic taught me to take better care of myself physically. This is mentally challenging at times, requiring much patience, which is hard to achieve!

I learned how much I value my family and friends and the physical aspects of that the hugs.

The pandemic taught me how life can totally change in a heartbeat."

– Anna-Mari Keranen

Looking for joy, and creating it

"Looking back on the last year, COVID has taught me so much. My life was in a crisis back in March before the lockdown, but I learned so much over the last year.

It helped me slow down in life and take a look at the things that matter. It made me appreciate so much more things I didn't before. I took the time to work on myself emotionally. I made a conscious effort to look for joy and create it.

I painted rocks for the community to find in hopes of making someone smile with the Facebook group called "The Sault's kindness rock plan." I wrote cards to the retirement homes to help ease the loneliness. I created a bucket list of things I had wanted to do for years.

I continue to fight for joy every day. I am focusing on the positive. I focused on me and my family."

– Kelly Cerenzia

More grateful for life's little opportunities, and hope for a brighter world

"I learned never say never, as I never expected this to last this long, or have had such a global impact.

However, I have been impressed with some of the advancements made on how we live otherwise. Many are working from home with success. Physician appointments have been made possible via zoom and or phone calls. Internet shopping made easier and with a new comfort level. Many have had more time at home giving the opportunity to add a pet to the household! (Kira was really my covid gift).

I have been more grateful for some of life's little opportunities. For example, having the opportunity to swim at the John Rhodes. These are some of the things I may have taken for granted.

And today, I had my first injection of the Pfizer vaccine. This is the first shot of two and the first time in a while that I have had hope that we will recover!

And in the end we may benefit from this experience and erupt a better world with ever changing opportunities."

– Cindy Sierzputowski

Embrace every moment, and value the time you have

"2020 has been something else. I've experienced loss, isolation, depression, cancelled plans and travels, and the heavy uncertainty of a global pandemic, as most of us have. But when all is said and done, when I reflect over the last year, I have learned to slow down my busy life and appreciate every moment, and all the little things.

I took more time to read, do yoga, meditate, and relax than I ever have before. Cancelled travel plans meant more time with my little family (fiance, stepdaughter and dog) than ever before, and it highlighted to me how precious simple moments at home really are.

2020 has taken so much from so many of us. But I hope to carry on making every moment count, saying 'I love you' often, and appreciating every minute spent with loved ones."

 Riley Smith

Slowing down and appreciating the small stuff

"2020 felt never-ending. Uncertainty, isolation, and cancelled plans affected us all on some level. But as I have reflected on the last year, I can so gratefully acknowledge that 2020 gave me some great things, too.

I moved to a new apartment right as the first stay-at-home order happened. While that experience itself was a bit challenging, it gave me the chance to spend more time with my little old dog. We went on more walks than I think either of us ever has before, and I got the opportunity to slow down and simply enjoy her presence. My collection of books was read, and some re-read again. 

2020 is a year we will never forget. But I hope going forward that I make sure to slow everything down, tell the people I love that I love them, and take more opportunities for walks in the sunshine. Appreciating the small stuff goes a long way. "

 Kylee Garson

Making sacrifices and cherishing loved ones

“As for many of us, the COVID-19 pandemic at the beginning of 2020 entered my life completely unexpectedly. The feeling of isolation and uncertainty about the future was difficult to deal with, but at the same time it taught me a few things.

 In the past year I learned how important it is to reach out to friends and family and to maintain those close relationships. I also learned that sometimes we need to sacrifice doing the things that we normally enjoy in order to do what’s best for others around us. Lastly, I learned to appreciate what I have and to live in the moment, because we never know what we will eventually be calling the ‘good old days’.”

 Zaafina Naqvi

Take nothing for granted

"I, like most others in my community and across the globe, have endured many extraordinary lows speckled with a few unusual highs during this unprecedented year of the pandemic.

"The constant sense of dread and uncertainty has been, and continues to be exhausting. Fatigue and brain fog are very real and challenging struggles. But these hurdles have forced me to seek out and focus on the positive aspects of my life, my surroundings, and my community.

"Some of those things I've (re)discovered have clearly been taken for granted in the past – things like the comfort of home, the satisfaction of a well crafted home cooked meal, and the company of loved ones. They'll never be taken for granted again.

"Through a wider lens, I've watched my community come together to support each other in often simple, but sometimes astounding ways. From individuals doing everything they can to support local struggling businesses to creating little pockets of joy to lift people's spirits, while others have banded together to help charities surpass fundraising targets by means of virtual events.

"I don't think I've ever felt more pride in my community.

"Personally, I've learned that everything I need, I can find right here in my home, in my community, and without hassle. I've also learned that what I truly need to be happy is actually very little.

"And I've learned that I can spend pretty much an entire year 24/7 with no one but my husband and not want to kill him. So, that's a plus.

"Yes, there are certainly things I miss – the excitement of travel, giant shopping sprees, and late night adventures with friends. But that just means that once we return to some sense of normalcy, I'll be sure to cherish and savour every last tiny little drop of those moments." 

Donna Hopper

Hopefully, these values of empathy, compassion, kindness, and gratitude continue to spread across our community as we come out the other side of COVID-19.