I am grateful for

Trang An, Ninh Binh, Vietnam

We are all facing the biggest challenge all around the world right now and it is so easy to just be depressed and anxious about it. However, we always need to ensure to find joy despite the situation we are in. During these times, I am grateful for...

• Being with my family in Abu Dhabi just before the lockdown was in place. I couldn't imagine not being with them during this pandemic. 

Back story: it was a Thursday and just finished work (at home) when my sister called and asked me if I want to go to Abu Dhabi just before the lockdown Dubai started at 8 in the evening. At first, I said I can stay in here and there is nothing to worry about anything (I had bought lots of food; enough for a two-week lockdown). I had to call her back after two minutes and asked if they can pick me up. They drove from Abu Dhabi to Dubai (picked me up and my a few of my things - which is mostly food that I had ready just-in-case) and back to Abu Dhabi in 3 hours. 😁 We arrived just in time (8-ish pm) at their home in Abu Dhabi.

• Being able to work from home. I know that some people got laid off because of COVID-19. I am grateful and still lucky that my company takes care of its employees despite the fact that the travel industry is terribly hit by this pandemic. 
• The government of UAE for exerting so much effort to ensure safety and protection for each individual. Most especially the security of the front-liners who keep the ball rolling to ensure there is food, electricity, safety, and of course those in the health sector. 
• The fact that we are able to prepare food on a daily basis in this pandemic. I was watching some movies about pandemics and world wars and documentaries too and I couldn't imagine living in those times without the essentials in order to survive. Also, based on the news I have glanced upon, the poor people are being looked out for as well by their government to ensure they are able to survive.
• Safety of my family and friends. I hope everyone stays healthy and that this pandemic ends very soon. It makes me anxious to know that my sister's friends over in the UK who are nurses are one of those that are affected by the virus. 
• I told my boss about this last week: one of the thoughts that make me happy is to know that the world is able to breathe a little. Right? At least, mother nature breathes less air pollution. (However, there was a forest fire somewhere in Ukraine. It's very saddening. Hope everyone is safe up there) 😕
• I did not have the chance to bring books (I only brought 1 and have finished it a few weeks ago) and forgot to bring my Kindle. Jill is kind enough to refer to some real books to me. So, currently, I am ready "How To Enjoy Your Life and Your Job" by Dale Carnegie. Surely, not the kind of book that I would pick up from a bookstore or library, but I am grabbing this chance to read non-fiction as something to try.
• Good music.As always. And this week, I found a feel-good song. It reminds me so much of the good times pre-Corona. It keeps my hopes up that things are going to be good soon. The song is: Feels Good To Laugh by Honeywhip.
• I received a piece of good news despite this depressing time. My team had an early conference call last Wednesday morning and announced that I got promoted. 💗