While we stay shuttered in, while we honor the people who serve, and pray for  healthcare workers risking their lives to save ours, I cling to what I know.

During a crisis, beliefs don’t change.  They just become clearer.

This day, more than ever, I am grateful for what addiction has taught me.

It reminds me to…

• Stay close to a twelve-step program and cherish its calming message of  hope.
• Trust only those who speak science.
• Be grateful for people who step aside on sidewalks during daily walks.
• Hope that the younger ones will do the same.
• Accept that rainy days don’t help, but sunshine and cerulean skies that follow do.
• Smile that yards, houses and heads may be more clutter-free.
• Enjoy that dogs love having their people close.
• Understand – as the 12^th step suggests – that service to others heals.
• Find someone to help.

Above all, if I’m not sure I can endure the anxiety, fear and isolation for weeks or months, I don’t have to.  I just need to live it  one day at a time.