By Ana Downes

It is undeniable that this year has been difficult. Throughout the course of the pandemic, we have been tested on our resilience and our ability to stay optimistic despite bleak circumstances. According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, over 50% of Canadian residents reported worsening mental health since the beginning of the pandemic.

For over a year, we have been constantly bombarded with negative headlines surrounding COVID-19. We have watched as the numbers of people falling ill have skyrocketed, our economy has taken a devastating hit, and virtually every aspect of our lives has been altered significantly. 

It is important to remember, however, that this is temporary. As much as it may feel as though we are stuck in this situation forever, this pandemic will eventually become but a milestone of history and our lives will return to some degree of ‘normalcy’. Until then, we must continue to do our part to prevent transmission, stay safe and very importantly, stay positive and optimistic. Even in the darkest of circumstances, there is always hope. You know what they say – the rainbow always appears after the storm. To veer away from all of the negativity we have been experiencing, I have compiled a list of 58 (seemingly small but significant) things to appreciate now and look forward to when normal life returns – one reason for every week we have spent in quarantine.