As we near Thanksgiving, I increasingly find myself looking for positive things—things to help diminish the sadness over the mounting COVID-19 deaths…

So begins my editorial in the November issue of AJN.

As a former ED nurse, I recall working many Thanksgivings. Though I missed holiday dinners with my family, the stark reality of what my patients and their families were dealing with always put things into perspective.

This year, though I won’t be working, I will still be missing my family on Thanksgiving. My husband and I usually host a large dinner, which we’ve cancelled this year in following recommendations to avoid such gatherings. I know many others are doing the same.

A modest suggestion: make a list.

But, despite the difficult times we’re living through, here’s what I’ve found helpful.

I’ve made a list of people and things for which I’m grateful and that provide me with hope and optimism as we continue to navigate this time of uncertainty…. I challenge you to come up with your own lists…. to underscore all the good work you’ve done: the patients who did go home; the families you were able to connect with loved ones. The heartaches will inevitably come, so it’s important that we celebrate the successes and keep faith that yes, we will prevail.

Examining the positives doesn’t mean we’re not aware of the negatives. I hope this approach can help you too.