We all love warm memories of simpler times.

The heartwarming thoughts especially become more pronounced when there’s way no way to revisit those places exactly the way we knew them.  The heart grows fonder, sheds a few tears and longs for the good old days. Nostalgia sets in and the only thing we have left of those destinations are exclusive ownership rights in our minds of those recollections. Fortunately, those memories can never be taken away.

Who would have ever thought, however, that until last month those warm memories of scenarios we can’t return to date back to less than a year ago? Life as we knew it before the Coronavirus brought us traditions and precious, living-in-the-moment times that we cannot experience now, at least temporarily.

Who remembers these special places before the Coronavirus…

Those special family rites of passages into the warmer weather seasons?

Waiting for a cone at the ice cream stand?

Parades that brought communities together to celebrate and cheer on our neighbors?

A day at the ballpark?

The anticipation of ordering a burger or hot dog at the outdoor food stand even though the line was ridiculous?

Attending an amazing concert that was well worth braving the crowds?

And hopefully, the following scene won’t be a reality this summer…

Those sunny days at an ocean beach

It’s enough to bring tears to the eye that we can’t enjoy some of the things that make us so happy. Now, there’s a possibility that many of those treasures in our minds will return in full living color sometime in the near future, but we just don’t know exactly when at this writing.

While we don’t access to revisiting those places the way they are perceived in our minds, we do have the ability to create our own special memories, at any given moment. Bond with loved ones right next to you or with family and friends far away through technology with services like Zoom and Facetime — or the good old-fashioned telephone. Pray a lot. Revisit the art of conversation. Find big-time value in the little things. Watch a funny movie for some humor or a film that will touch the heart. Consider the virtues of grace, gratitude, peace and solitude. With social distancing in mind, get outside, soak in the sun and breathe in some fresh air.

Maybe even take on a new activity like fishing at a local lake or pond. Better yet, go fishing at sunset for added ambiance.

Or, just step outside where you live and see the beauty of the world in one simple plant.

We are creatures of habit so it’s perfectly natural to long for the places we’ve been before the Coronavirus. Maybe holding off on visiting these places, however, has an unintended benefit as the one constant we are blessed with is having each other. That is the greatest gift of all, the best destination one could ever have.

Someday soon, we will return to those places we love to be — hopefully sooner than later.

But, ultimately, enjoy the given moment and continue to wear that badge for life.

Before the Coronavirus, where are some of the destinations you enjoyed most that can’t be done now? Please comment in the box below.

Additional reading:
Recommendations on where to get fresh local seafood during this public health crisis
For those who love visiting a cute New England village
Celebrating local small businesses through storytelling
Visiting the best cities, towns and regions in New England