When Life Deals You the Coronavirus… [OPINION]

Believe it or not, there was a time not that long ago when we didn't flock to Disney theme parks or embark on cruise ships for recreation. Attending a live sporting event or a concert was considered a rare treat. Flying on a plane somewhere was for rich folks, not everyday working families like ours.

We found ways to stay busy and entertain ourselves. We'll get through this.

The coronavirus outbreak has forced public officials for good or for bad to cancel or postpone an awful lot of things, leaving people to wonder what to do to fill their unexpected downtime. When life deals you lemons, you make lemonade.

If there is anything positive about all that it is happening, it's that it's happening just as the weather is beginning to break. That means that we don't have to be cooped up in the house with nothing to do. This could have hit in the dead of winter or during the holidays. It would have been brutal dealing with the holidays with a virus gone viral.

Springtime provides many opportunities to be busy outdoors while still avoiding large crowds. Maybe you have been putting off home improvement projects. Now is the time to get them done. There are always leaves to rake and gutters to clean. Long walks or hikes in the woods before the ticks and mosquitos emerge are always fun. Spring kayaking on some of the area's rivers is great, too.

Sort out your finances and use the lower rates to refinance your mortgage. Spend more time bonding with the family while avoiding the malls and large crowds. It's a great opportunity for some alone time and introspection.

Our current state of affairs kind of sucks for those of us who enjoy the hustle and bustle of an active lifestyle. But you know, sometimes you've just got to tap the brakes a bit and slow it all down. Perhaps this is one of those times. Make the most of the moment because this to shall pass.

Barry Richard is the host of The Barry Richard Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. Contact him at barry@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @BarryJRichard58. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.