“The chief beauty about time
is that you cannot waste it in advance.
The next year, the next day, the next hour are lying ready for you,
as perfect, as unspoiled,
as if you had never wasted or misapplied
a single moment in all your life.
You can turn over a new leaf every hour
if you choose.”― Arnold Bennett

Today, May 26, 2020 is a great day.  New Rochelle, NY, where I live, and now also work, entered Phase One of the Coronavirus Pandemic Reopening.

In March, New Rochelle was the epicenter of the virus in NY state.   We have now turned a corner and began moving in the right direction. In the direction of less and less cases.  I hope that people will respect and abide by the restrictions of each phase so that we can quickly progress towards full reopening.

These is how they list the 4 reopening phases: 

• Phase One:
• Constructions
• Manufacturing
• Retail with curbside pickup
• Wholesale Trade and Agriculture

• Phase Two:
• Retail
• Real Estate

• Phase Three:
• Restaurants

• Phase Three:
• Arts and Entertainment
• Recreation and Education

Now that there seems to be light at the end of this very long tunnel I hope we all can move together towards a better world.  After all is said and done I hope that we are able to take something away from it, a lesson, an idea, a goal, etc. 

Actually, if this quarantine hasn’t thought you anything or have not opened your eyes to anything, then stop and look again.  You don’t want to miss this chance to make life changes, to make a better future for yourself and others.

There is a reason for everything in this world. I am not sure of all the lessons here, but I know that there will be many.  There will be different lessons for different people.  For beginners we will probably value more our family and our freedom of coming and going as we please.

“Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops at all.”
― Emily Dickinson

I have yet to make an inventory of the lessons I have learned, since we are still not completely out of the woods and the learning is daily and on-going.  I will continue to be all about my family, and less about material things.  I will appreciate more my freedom, hugs and faces without masks.   I will continue moving towards a more minimalist life.  I want less things to weigh me down. 

Let’s not waste any more time.  Let’s get busy living. Don’t postpone ideas and wants.  Don’t postpone passions.  Follow your heart.  Follow your bliss!

But more than thinking only about ourselves, we need to think globally.  Planet Earth needs our protection.  Mother Nature needs all of us to be more thoughtful and less wasteful. Let’s take care of each other. Let’s be kind to our neighbors.

“Possessions, outward success, publicity, luxury – to me these have always been contemptible. I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everyone, best for both the body and the mind.”― Albert Einstein