I hope you are coping the best you can in this time of uncertainty and upheaval.

Our news feeds are currently dominated by a lot of negative articles. I have, however, observed several positives that have arisen from our current situation. Last week, I placed a blank piece of paper on our fridge with the title, Silver Linings from COVID-19. It was a way for our family to appreciate some of the positive aspects of this situation. Our list included more time for reading, exercise and connecting with family and friends.

Silver Linings

This got me thinking that it would be a good idea to start gathering and sharing positive stories that result from our current circumstances. In order to do so, I need your help. So, if you know of any positive stories, I would love you to send them to me.

For example, earlier this week a Lufthansa flight took off from Christchurch in New Zealand to take home thousands of Germans who had been stranded there due to border closures. Upon departure, the Captain requested permission to fly over the city as a symbol of thanks to the people of Christchurch. Many locals had shown care and support for the stranded Germans during their endeavours to return home. Christchurch Airport chief executive Malcolm Johns said in a Facebook post, “Permission was granted. Some days just make you smile.”

Another example comes from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Melbourne. Last Friday they called for expressions of interest from their medical students to provide additional help within the health workforce. By the next day, 1388 of their 1389 students had signed up to do so.

Your Stories

As you can see, the stories do not need to be long and can be from your own company, community or something you have heard. There are some stories that are already receiving global attention such as observing fish back in the canals of Venice or the 8pm applause rituals in cities to thank the health care workers. To expand on these examples, I want this to be a platform to share everyday stories that people may never hear about.

I plan to share one story a day, so just send them to me whenever you come across one …and keep them coming.

Finally, I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Easter. Thank goodness the Easter Bunny has a global exemption from the travel restrictions!