The first quarter of 2020 seemed like the beginning of a dystopian novel. It had everything that leads to the end of the world. World war scare, nature’s wrath in the form of Australian bush fire, and then the pandemic.
It became apparent how fragile the entire world is. It just took one virus to bring the entire world to a standstill. Who would have thought country after country will implement nationwide lockdown, and that would be the only logical thing left to do? Before last month, I never knew the word ‘lockdown’ can be used in such a context. Now that’s all we think and talk about.
I have always loved staying at home. Being an introvert, it is part of who I am. But I never thought I would see the entire world staying at home, hiding from an enemy we can’t even see.
Staying at home for an extended period shows us a new side of ourselves. For instance, I always knew I enjoy cleaning and organizing. But I never knew that the simple act of washing utensils will help me build up my self confidence. Somehow, this makes me feel like I can do anything.
Being cooped up indoors either alone or with your family shows us the relationships in a new light. We learn how to be comfortable with just ourselves. We also find out different aspects of others. Like I am learning how helpful my husband is around the house and how much his support means to me.
We are now reassessing our priorities. Jobs, friends, going out, shopping, watching movies, going to gym, and so much more just has a new meaning suddenly. Our lives will always be divided into before and after Covid-19. What we used to do before and what we will do after.
For many, the things will change more than others. Some will lose jobs or worse, their loved ones. But one thing is for sure, each and everyone will experience some or the other kind of change in themselves. After all, the entire world is going to change.
We will no longer make future plans like we have been doing for our entire lives simply because the future is no longer guaranteed. This is a scary thought, but it doesn’t have to be. It is teaching us to live in the moment more, to appreciate what we have right now.
Instead of planning for future I am just logging what is happening each day. The progress it shows me is much more valuable to me right now.
I have always thought that I overthink and expect gloom and doom. But right now I see everyone in the world doing that. And you know what’s the funny thing, the anxiety is kinda required. We do need to take current things seriously. Way too many people are taking things too lightly and making the situation worse. This is making me appreciate the role of fear and why it is required at times to keep us safe.
With everything going on, I feel really blessed for every moment I have. For every moment, I get to spend with my loved ones. For every moment, I get to do whatever I want to do. I feel really blessed to be able to write because now I can’t take it for granted.