For this week’s Wednesday’s for Women blog, we asked women leaders: “What’s an unexpected silver lining you’ve experienced during this COVID-19 quarantine?” Here is a sampling of what they shared:

Shahrazad “Sherry” Zaid: I added 20 new recipes to my repertoire and keep posting them on social media. Many say they are inspired and have started cooking too. My response to them is: “The more people you inspire, the more people will inspire you,” Simon Sinek, author

Kelly Campos: That hanging with my quaranTEENS day in and day out for the past 6 weeks…NOT so bad.

Nannette Dayton: This unique time has led to a new outdoor hobby.  We purchased fishing equipment online and have been watching YouTube videos to learn how to tie knots, etc. I think the fun will continue until I actually catch a fish.    

Christina Luna: I never imagined our current circumstances would give me more time to connect with family, friends, and co-workers. It sounds odd at a time of social distancing, right? I have had more virtual happy hours and long-overdue catchups in the past month than I have in the past 5 years! We live in this hyper-scheduled world – long workdays, business travel, kids sporting events, the list goes on… My silver lining during COVID-19 quarantine has been making time to share the love with those who mean so much.

Kerri Schrage: The unexpected silver lining for me is that I have had the opportunity to spend more time with my kids, strengthen my relationships with them, and encourage their relentlessness in achieving new things. My 7-year-old son and I have gone on hikes together, bike rides, and I have even taken him on my runs where he travels on his scooter for the 3-4 miles. My 4-year-old set out to learn how to ride her bike without training wheels, and after 2-weeks has it down.

Becky Fox: The COVID-19 quarantine has emphasized the importance of social connection. Most of my family and friends are located in different parts of the U.S. so even though the distance is not something new for me, I find myself spending more time with loved ones via FaceTime and Zoom than I was before. The art of sustaining relationships and communicating effectively when we can’t be together in person is something positive that we can all take away from this crisis.

Erin Miller: I’ve used this time at home to get back into some hobbies that I enjoy.    I’ve been doing a lot of cooking, not just trying new recipes but going back to some old favorites that I have not made in ages.  And reading fiction, I forgot how much I love a good mystery!

Lucy Ehlers: During this lockdown period I have been able to live out the truth that I am extremely blessed. Many people have been affected by poverty and hunger as well as loneliness.  I am extremely grateful for my continued employment at Blue Yonder, providing my daughter and myself with a stable home, roof over our heads and food on the table.  I am also blessed with the good health of my daughter and myself, family and friends. As well as the huge amount of emotional support offered to me by my close circle of loved ones and vice versa. Not to mention the delightful companionship of being given the privilege of spending valued time with my daughter.

Nayana Kishore: I started appreciating more deeply the blessings I have: A family with whom I am spending bonding time with; being able to work from home with a smile; having greater time for my personal interests, passions and introspection; and learning to live life with a very minimalistic style. I’ve realized these blessings have deepened my commitment to help others who are less fortunate.

We hope these insights made you think about what you are grateful for these days. So, what’s your silver lining? Feel free to share with us in the comments below or on social media.