Author: Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY

In a year of tragedy and exhaustion, the genuinely happy moments are that much more powerful.

In the COVID world, weekdays go faster than weekends for me, at least. And I’m savoring every free minute I get.

Fall will still be fun. We can enjoy it safely, I promise.

COVID definitely wasn’t a part of our original first anniversary plans. But I’m thankful to celebrate something at all in the middle of the pandemic.

Everyone loves a Monday off. Nobody likes a Tuesday back.

Celebrating safely, and honoring the true meaning of the holiday, is more important than ever this Labor Day Weekend.

COVID-19 has interrupted so much of normal life, but there are some constants that won’t go away. I’m grateful for them.

When others have it worse, we can feel guilt for wallowing in our personal struggles. But our feelings are still real, and we should acknowledge them.

I needed a reminder to take a break this week to deal with my pandemic stress. I know I should do more. You probably should, too.