The Lasell community shares silver linings amid COVID-19
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic's chaos and isolation were moments of self-discovery, opportunities to learn, and ways to support others. The Lasell University community shared their "silver linings" with Leaves throughout the spring semester, and many participants noted that their newfound hobbies and personal connections have continued even as we emerge from the pandemic's darkest days. These are just some of those many moments of light. Don't forget to add your own!
"I decided to take advantage of what Massachusetts has to offer and went on my first tuna fishing trip. It was a beautiful day filled with some unexpected whale watching. I caught a 600-lb tuna! I am already planning my next tuna fishing trip on Cape Cod."
"I was lucky enough to still be able to play baseball in two summer leagues. While it was certainly different with social distancing and safety protocols in place, it was still the same game and brought some 'normalcy' to life."
"I have always loved to cook. During the pandemic it became my passion. I've also become an amateur food photographer so that I can show off my creations on Instagram."
"In 2020 I set a new record for working out with a total of 344 days, including a 190-day streak. I was also more intentional regarding meditation and rest."
"Due to COVID, my job at a local college was eliminated, so my husband and I hit the road. The pandemic taught us that life isn't about working to just exist, but to see the beauty and amazing people out there. I learned to slow down and breathe and then find a job that I wanted that wasn't about the money, but about helping others. Also, I got to spend time with my two grandsons, which was a huge blessing!"
"I bought a mountain bike and put in a ton of miles on it. I hadn't ridden a bike since I was a kid and probably would not have gotten one if it wasn't for the pandemic downtime."
"I have found many meditative moments wandering in the woods and marshes with my camera ... birding is awesome!!"
"My husband and I painted the exterior of our house, and I planted a vegetable garden. We also explored the many hiking trails around our town."
"At the beginning of the pandemic, my oldest daughter in Texas began teaching me Pilates via my iPad. Prior to that, our relationship had not been close. It has blossomed since these lessons began. Now, we arrange weekend social meetings just to chat. I am so very happy that we have grown close since the lessons began, and to be in better physical shape. In this picture, I am in the position of 'teaser,' which is reached after two 'roll like a ball' movements."
"I decided to embrace the fact that I hate cooking, and made peace with it. I began to challenge myself. I made my first turkey and also made Julia Child's coq au vin with success! I can now add to my repertoire recipes for shrimp scampi, cabernet roast, and chicken in a million ways!"
"I fixed up my great-grandmother's 1958 Kenmore sewing machine. I challenged myself to get it working on my own. Being a mechanic's daughter, I wasn't afraid to get dirty ... and now, it is operational! I've been working on fun sewing projects for my kids."
"I found a new passion for diving deeper into my father's company, FB Washburn Candy. I ran a Halloween scavenger hunt for local homes and donated candy to frontline workers. With all challenges come new opportunities ... always."
"I rode my bicycle over 1000 miles in the summer of 2020."
"I spent the pandemic defending my dissertation proposal and completing data collection via Zoom. I defended this year and I think the pandemic helped with time management and slowing down to focus on it and work! #DrJenny"
"My boyfriend and I took our quarantined COVID life on the road. We got to spend time in places we'd both always wanted to visit including South Carolina, Tennesse, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Our goal was to spend as much time in nature as possible. I am so grateful to have had this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see this beautiful country."
"When the pandemic began, I started my own business doing digital marketing for small businesses! My silver lining on top of that is that I got to focus on my passion for mixology and became a cocktail micro-influencer on Instagram: @cocktailswithcorinne 🥂"
Recipe to make a Blue Laser (pictured left):
1 oz pineapple juice
1 oz cream of coconut
1.5 oz tequila
0.5 oz mezcal
1/2 lime
1 oz blue curaçao
Combine all ingredients except for blue curaçao in a shaker with ice. Shake for 15 seconds and strain into a stemless coupe. Pour 1 oz of chilled blue curaçao through the center until it all sinks to the bottom. Garnish with a lime wheel soaked with lemon oil and light with a match. Enjoy!