When I first heard about the COVID outbreak in China, I was on a holiday in India, having a gala time with my family and friends.
Like everyone else, I did not anticipate the gravity of the situation then.
Sharing meals with loved ones, shopping, socializing all changed to social distancing- Who would have thought?!
Social distancing was such an alien term before this.
I lived in fear of contracting the virus throughout the pandemic, thus being vigilant. Repeated sanitizations, cleaning, masking, social distancing- I did it all, yet contracted the virus! Twice! I am now eligible to register on CovidPro.com
Morbidly funny.
More than two years of living in the pandemic and complete isolation of more than two weeks made me think and realize many things. To say that those initial days of isolation were stressful for me would be an understatement.
It was tough, but I saw my silver lining in understanding the importance of these seven things.
Counting my blessings
The pandemic affected everyone differently. We had to adapt to the new normal.
The topic of conversations with everyone changed to how pandemic changed their routine and lives.
The gravity of the impact was different for each one of us.
It makes me ponder how we all dealt with this ordeal during this topsy-turvy phase of life.
Though this damn virus gave me a hard time, I will still count my blessings for what I have overcome. And for what I have. This situation is like the old saying goes, “When life gives you lemons…..”.
Except that I did not make any lemonade, just accepted and kept them!
Covid keeps returning with a new makeover. Amongst the three major covid waves, I contracted the virus twice. My friends jokingly call me a Covid magnet.
I am grateful that the second time wasn’t as distressing as the first, but hopefully the last. If the Covid doesn’t, my nose will give up on me (Thanks to the umpteen nasal swabs).
Don’t wait to surprise yourself
How many of you turned chefs this lockdown?
Well, I did.
The dramatic shift of experimenting with my culinary skills led to some delicious meals. And the realization that I can very well surprise myself.
It was fun to scroll through Instagram and see the different activities people took up ( Yeah, you can DM me to see my lockdown catalog in case you missed it)
Lockdown was tough, but people found things to do they could enjoy.
Besides my profound thinking about life, my love for Korean drama began with lockdown too!
A little kindness won’t hurt
The grave situation bought people together. The support from communities was beneficial in helping people find resources. The motivation that everyone is in this together kept people positive.
Families have suffered and people have lost their loved ones too. It has negatively affected people’s mental health. Wouldn’t it be great to care, be kind and help people more?
It made a ton of difference to my sullen mood even when I received a text just asking how am I doing. It showed me that people cared!
Before vaccines were available, the sight of carefree or rather careless people not masking was an act of selfishness for me. It was evident that people did not care for themselves or others.
Maintaining and valuing relationships
Valuing relationships is always a priority for me. Honestly, the pandemic just got me communicating more with people who were otherwise busy with their lives.
While I was happy to connect with long-lost friends and family, some were glad they did not have to deal with social obligations.
My dad often tells me that you are never too busy to ask people you care about how they are doing. You don’t have to talk/text for hours but staying in touch and just being there means a lot.
Many lost their loved ones to the horrible virus while so many others were seriously affected. When my mom tested positive, it was one of the most stressful periods of my life. I told myself how important it is to value life and take nothing for granted.
Living in the moment
I have mentioned before in my blog post how I believe in this and try to practice it every day. Enjoy the little things in life.
“One day at a time”- This is my life mantra now. When times get difficult which, it often does because such is life with its share of ups and downs! I just remind myself that everything is temporary, the tough time shall pass.
People who disliked cooking surprised themselves in the kitchen, others took up different hobbies. As for me, I cooked, baked, and painted too amongst other things.
Social distancing was fun as we all made the most out of living in the moment.
Health is wealth
We have heard this a million times already. But it makes sense now more than ever, doesn’t it?!
Covid was beyond our control but looking after our health is very much our responsibility.
People also got healthier just by eating home-cooked food because eating out wasn’t an option. Home-cooked meals do make a lot of difference in staying healthy. Then, cheating on weekends or occasionally makes it interesting and fun.
Doing good deeds by thinking of others
The pandemic proved how people lack empathy when the stores were running empty because many purchased more supplies than needed. The panic buying caused inconvenience and worry to families, senior citizens, and people with disabilities in times of necessity.
I am imagining toilet paper castles built now with the extra supply that was hoarded.
Just being a little considerate in critical situations can help those in need.
The past two years have been tumultuous and a learning experience. In fact, it is still an ongoing journey. Not sure when is the end to this pandemic but making every day count is the motto.
Everyone is gradually getting out of the rut and accepting their normal. For those who are going through a difficult time and waiting for things to change for good, just hang in there and keep going!
A couple of years passed by in a jiffy but we all have our own version of the story to tell. Right?!
What’s yours?
How has this pandemic changed you?