We’re taking a break from real estate to talk about grief. Because, are you, like me, going stir crazy? Have you exhausted all possible activities for your family that don’t involve going anywhere or doing anything? Are the people in your bubble driving you bananas? Do you wish you could go out for dinner tonight and not get sucked into an anxiety tailspin about the health and safety measures the restaurant may or may not be taking? All I can say is, I feel you. We’re likely in this for the long haul, though, so we need to prioritize our mental health now more than ever.

I’m reminded of an insight by Sheryl Sandberg from her book about grief called Option B. Everything is temporary and change is inevitable (paraphrasing). When things are going well, this is scary because we don’t want the good times to end.  But when things aren’t going so well, like a global pandemic for example, this is very comforting. Everything, even COVID, is temporary. It is true that our lives are likely changed forever, and that globally COVID has wreaked long-lasting devastation. But this moment we are in will pass. Somehow we will eventually talk about COVID in the past tense. We can only hope we will be better for it. It can be helpful in trauma to look for the silver linings. What are your silver linings? Mine are: Spending more time outside, and working from home means more time with my son. Find your upsides and cling to them.

In the meantime, repeat “this too shall pass.” Grief is on my mind this week because Kim lost her beloved dog, Owen. Owen was the biggest sweetheart and will be dearly missed. Give your pets extra love this week in Owen’s honour.