We have all experienced something new in 2020. None of us have lived through a shut-down as extensive as this covid-19 experience.  We can each think about what we’ve lost during this time OR we can think about positive lessons we’ve learned. Covid-19 has leveled the playing field. None of us had prior experience. It does not respect gender, income, occupation or living standards.  We are all learning together. We can be divisive or find common ground.  So many things in today’s world can divide us into opposing groups OR we can choose to find common ground. We were TOO BUSY. This virus has forced us to clear our schedule. Let’s count that as a positive.   While, we might miss our regular chosen activities, there’s something calming about a simpler schedule. I think it’s a good time to evaluate what/when/how much we want to add back into our lives as regulations relax. We may find we didn’t miss some activities as much as we thought we would! Americans (Iowans in particular) are innovative.  Appreciate and compliment the businesses and services that found new ways to serve and thrive in this era. Food delivery services are thriving,  restaurants with drive-thru have people waiting to be served.  (Dairy Zone, an Eastside Tradition is an example) Our local business owners have enormous hearts and generously give each other a hands-up. We’ve seen individual businesses giving others a shout-out and offering services together to give us a better value. How many “free meals”  have you seen offered?  Elder Corporation has sponsored many, in lieu of one big 60th Anniversary Celebration. How many “drive-by” parties have you participated in?  We hosted one, and I must say, it was easy to organize, no clean-up and one Happy Birthday Girl! Zoom meetings have flourished  – how fun is it to attend a business meeting in pajama pants!  We’ve used it for church groups and I’ve heard lots of families using it as for social get-togethers. And on the low-tech end of the spectrum, simple things like jig-saw puzzles and board games are very entertaining and bring family members together. I think people are more apt to give grace and mercy in person than on social media – ahem….maybe spend less time on social media!  Iowa Nice is a real thing! What are your observations?  Would love to know what you’ve learned or how you’ve adapted to the “current normal”. And a real estate note – people are still buying, people are still selling.  Call 515-979-2883, if you want to be one of them.