Finding the Silver Lining

Over the past year, many of us have found a new appreciation for life’s simpler joys. RD readers share their discoveries

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I think for so many, the silver lining should be a simple message—that happiness is found at home, and from within. I’m thankful for all the travelling my spouse and I got to do in our 45 years together. We saw so many countries and met interesting people. But we never knew the contentment we had right here. Dusting off the Scrabble board we’d bought in ’75 and taking it out on the back, screened-in porch was so enjoyable—with the bonus of seeing and hearing all the birds chirping! —Margaret Waggoner, Florida

After being forced to cancel a much-anticipated trip to Hyderabad for a cousin’s wedding, my brothers’ family and mine began regular and frequent video chats to make up for our absence. In the process, we’ve reignited a wonderful sibling relationship that often went neglected due to our daily grind. It’s reinforced my belief that maintaining connections is definitely worth all the effort. —Sudha Chandrasekaran, Coimbatore

My daughter told me that people in nursing homes and assisted-living centres were looking for pen pals to help them combat the loneliness brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. I have always loved to write and receive letters, but a handwritten letter has become a rarity. So I jumped on the opportunity to resurrect this passion of mine. Initially, I sent out three letters to three assisted-living facilities in three states. I received one reply from a wonderful man in New Hampshire. So far we have exchanged three letters, and I have made a new friend. —E.S. via rd.com