It can get overwhelming how overpopulated the media is with news of COVID-19. We can't go a day without hearing new updates about growing case numbers or the newest way to avoid contracting the virus. Who knows how long this will truly last? The timeline is unclear which is probably the hardest aspect for me to grasp. But I have come to a realization that this is all out of our hands. The only way we (not including first responders) can do our part is by staying at home and figuring out ways to be there for people when we can't physically be there. I find reassurance in knowing this will one day come to an end and our lives will eventually start going back to normal.
One of my greatest fears is being alone with myself for extensive periods of time. My fear is coming to life. I'm forced to analyze my thoughts, fears, aspirations BLEH; the mind is a scary place. But I GUESS if we're gonna be locked up in our homes until god only knows when, I should force myself to do a little 'self reflection.'
I decided to ask myself some questions:
What do I miss the most about life before this?
What was I taking for granted the most?
What is something I have always said I was going to do and now will actually try to do?
What is the first thing I want to do after this is all over?
I MISS normalcy. I hate the fact that everyone is scared of each other. Hugs have turned into weapons. Visits to grandparents are now a death wish. I miss and I NEVER thought I would say this but waking up for my 9 AM advertising classes. I would do anything to be in a crowded lecture hall right now. Zoom classes just do not cut it. I miss having fits of uncontrollable laughter with my friends over the dumbest things. I miss sitting around with my roommates watching a movie. I miss walking to classes while I blast my music in my headphones. I miss being busy and having to write hour by hour schedules for myself everyday. I MISS IT ALL.
During these times, it is easy to feel like you have no control on your life. So my plan to stick it to stupid COVID-19 is to come out of this quarantine with a healthier perspective on life, a skill or two and a stronger understanding and respect for myself and for the ones I love. So far, I have tried to reteach myself the guitar. I am struggling but I'm getting kind of semi close to learning "What's up" by 4 Non Blondes (be ready for my big debut). I have also been trying to write more (this is evidence). I think it's important to think of all of the hobbies that before quarantine we said we would LOVE to do "if we only just had the time." Well, we definitely have the time now so get to it. BUT, at the same time, people deal with unfortunate times differently. If all this COVID stuff gives you so much anxiety that you don't have the motivation to start or finish any kind of project then do not put unneeded pressure on yourself. The most important thing is that we focus on our wellbeing (physical and mental).
Constantly fixating on all the things and people I miss is not the healthiest coping mechanism (however sometimes necessary), so I want to try to put more focus on what I am going to do after all of this is over.
Here are a few things:
VISIT MY GRANDMA!!! (a pizza night with gram and all my cousins is definitely high on the list)
Hug my beautiful friends and tell them how much I missed them
Take a trip ANYWHERE
Never take my education for granted again (or at least most of the time)
Complain less and be grateful MORE
Tell the people I love that I LOVE EM, but in person !
A picnic at the lakefront. I miss the beautiful city of Chicago :(
Embrace those hectic busy days and remember there was a time where you longed for them
Take my parents out to a nice dinner - they deserve it, they've been stuck in the house with me for a month
GET OUTSIDE GET OUTSIDE GET OUTSIDE, past my yard
ALL this stuff is pretty terrifying. But, if we social distance, stay healthy and STAY HOME, we will soon be able to reunite with the ones we love and get back to our beloved daily routines.
Sending gUiD vibEzz & LUV <3
