Life changes often come from the least expected circumstances. Nobody really thought 2020 would go the way it’s gone, but, human being are remarkably good at adapting, and finding new ways to bring stability and meaning into their lives, even under the craziest circumstances. If you want to see examples of that writ large, look no further than this tweet thread kicked off by Franklin Leonard:ย
Has anyone made any lockdown purchases that have radically improved your quality of life unexpectedly?
— Franklin Leonard (@franklinleonard) May 24, 2020
There were lot of answers across a broad range of categories, but some of the more heartwarming came in the form of finding out what kind of changes people had made for the better. Here are just a few examples (spoiler alert, a lot of them are very cute pets.)
12. The pen is mightier
I would absolutely do this if I had even remotely legible handwriting.
In an effort to support the @USPS and fill time, I committed to writing a letter a day. Bought old fashioned paper, a fountain pen and wax seals. Reconnecting with friends and family in a more personal way than e-mail or text. pic.twitter.com/MRUJsvnVvj
โ Sarah Burgess (@sunkist111) May 24, 2020
11. To the rescue!
The goodest boy in all of 2020.
I adopted a rescue puppy!
It’s only been days and my mental, emotional, and physical health have already improved ๐๐๐ pic.twitter.com/F4tXYToR8A
โ Ashley Bolden (@ashnbolden) May 24, 2020
10. Gettin’ into shape
We will allow this particular flex at this time.
— Franklin Leonard (@franklinleonard) May 24, 2020
9. Butterfly in the sky…
Take a look, it’s in a book!
Bought my kid a book from @TheReadingBug. Heโs struggled with reading for years. We finally got one he liked. Now he โloves readingโ and reads for an hour each day by choice.
โ KellyRae (@Kelly_Rae_) May 24, 2020
8. Black beauty
That is one majestic floof.
Already a life changer pic.twitter.com/xF27mihFBf
— Samuel D Miller (@SamuelDMiller) May 24, 2020
7. Smitten with kittens
This is the best sale I’ve ever heard of.
Best pandemic purchase: Two little felines, brother and sister, Basho and Issa. โTwo for oneโ at the Moab Animal Shelter. Plus a cat scratch post! Love on four x 2 legs. Endlessly fascinating, amusing, distractive love. And…..no more mice in the house! pic.twitter.com/VXciuuHIwz
โ TerryTempestWilliams (@TempestWilliams) May 24, 2020
6. Back to basics
Gotta rest up.
Adopted a new fella. Never seen a dog sleep on his back… pic.twitter.com/ZXBksRc8lp
โ Scott Nixon แฏ ๐ค๐พ๐ป (@citadelgrad) May 24, 2020
5. Crafty plans
I don’t fully understand this but it has the word “laser” and “Star Wars,” so I’m in.
https://twitter.com/SixCatsStudio/status/1264376937633337345
4. Smoke and mirrors
That’s the right kind of tough love.
Mine was a non-purchase. Cigarettes….I stopped smoking!
I smoked cigarettes for more than 50 years. My daughter has been doing my grocery shopping for me but refused to buy cigarettes. She brought me patches and lozenges instead. Tough love but it worked!โ elect a clown, you get a circus (@mimutcheson) May 24, 2020
3. Hoop dreams
I truly hope the bottom tweet was written by that dog. We need a new Air Bud.
https://twitter.com/ryannflynn/status/1264406148763049984
2. Nobody puts baby in a lockdown
Have you had the time of your life?
Lessons. I found teachers on a site called superprof & I have daily dancing lessons with an amazing young dancer. I am also able to practice yoga with a teacher in India & do PT & lately singing – all over zoom. Itโs fun & makes lockdown feel more like a Dirty Dancing montage.
โ DeborahFrances-White (@DeborahFW) May 24, 2020
1. One wheely weird purchase
Look, it’s strange, but it’s also strangely inspirational.
I bought a unicycle for something to learn in my driveway. It has been mostly super fun and one super faceplant.
โ Jim Stogdill ๐ (@jstogdill) May 24, 2020
Here’s to everyone who has found a new thing to focus some positive energy on! Best of luck! Hang in there!
What have you been up to in these crazy times?
Tell us in the comments.