Reminiscing has taken me back in time, to when my children were young and loved being read to. We spent many days in the family room, Legos strewn all about because there was great “building” going on.
One of the books I read to them was “The Diary of Anne Frank.” At times they sat riveted, lego piece in hand, eyes wide open in suspense, waiting to hear what would happen next.
This particular book came to mind while contemplating this Covid-confinement we find ourselves in. It certainly doesn’t compare to the confinement that Anne and her family experienced. I can’t possibly comprehend what they went through. While ours in no way resembles the harshness of theirs, I am given to ponder the few similarities…how life as we knew it has been suspended; going out to eat, traveling, socializing, visiting with family & friends, and enjoying freedom of movement has been curtailed. We are home-bound most of the time. It can all feel very dire indeed!
I often feel like I’m being hunted down by a virus, but how much worse would it feel to be hunted down by fellow humans wishing to do me harm. I don’t have to cover my windows for fear of being discovered, rely on the benevolence of others to stealthily bring me groceries, nor, for the most part, live in constant fear for my life.
In one of my morning readings, I came across thoughts that Anne had written in her journal: “Beauty remains, even in misfortune.” “If you just look for it, you discover more and more happiness and regain your balance.” Even as a young teenager she had developed an inner wisdom that allowed her to manage her point of view. This allowed her to find beauty and peace even in the worst of circumstances.
Do I look for the beauty that surrounds me? I know I can find it in nature, but do I make the effort to identify it in my everyday rounds? While it’s most definitely there, am I looking for it? Do I take the time to enjoy the two squirrels in their childlike, playful chase up a tree, or the rabbit that scuttles across my path, or the flowers still kissed with morning dew, or even the way the dust dances on the sunbeams through my window? Or do I just rush by, so busy tending to other things that I miss the opportunity to discover and appreciate these not-so-little “little” things?
I’m pretty certain that, had I been in Anne’s situation, the overwhelming fear of discovery would have overshadowed my demeanor. I doubt that I would have been able to ‘see’ as clearly as she did. Her desire and commitment to see beauty, experience happiness and achieve balance regardless of her circumstances inspires me to strive to do the same…even and especially in difficult times.
Thank you, dear Anne!
~Zanne
InSearchOfAuthenticity.com
© 2021 Zanne
In Search of Authenticity 
Nice post! Covid has definitely made me more aware of the little things, often overlooked, during busy non-Covid times.
Two things: First, things could ALWAYS be worse. Second, I’m reading a book right now titled God Is Closer Than You Think. On days where I’m aware and searching for signs that He is here, I find them!
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Dianne, Thanks for the reminder that things could ALWAYS be worse! …and for sharing the title of the book that brings you such peace. We need to be so vigilant about our state of mind right now. Thanks again, my friend! 🥰
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Following up a bit further on this thought-provoking post, I discovered that Anne Frank was confined for 761 days. In one of her last and final diary notations she refers to herself as being “split in two” — her confused and restless self and the side that remained optimistic and joyful. I feel some comfort in knowing that all of us react to life’s hardships in this way. We need one another to remain positive. This is why I’m grateful to regularly read “In Search of Authenticity.”
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I like that, Terri! It seems more realistic than always being optimistic and joyful. We all have those moments where we struggle and lose our equilibrium. It is very nice to know it’s normal! Thank you for sharing!!
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Covid has been difficult for most of us. I too feel hunted by the virus at times, unnerving. Despite being confined most of the time I find it so unbelievable that it has been almost a year. Looking back I remember when it all began that surely by summer or beginning of fall we would all be back to “normal”. Still innocent in some ways even at 67. Wonderful post Zanne!
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I know what you mean. I was more “off” on my estimations than you were, Sue. I thought it would be 2-3 weeks at the most. I suppose it’s hard to know what to expect when we experience something so out of the ordinary that we’ve never before experienced. Maybe that just makes us optimists? 🙂
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