GLOBAL PANDEMIC: COVID-19
It’s been over 3 months since the start of a global pandemic with Canada among the many countries being under a lockdown. COVID-19 has hit us hard and we don’t know when a second wave will occur or when a vaccine would be developed. Currently, Ontario is in phase 2 with some malls, restaurants, parks, and businesses opening up again.
With the overwhelming number of increased COVID-19 cases and deaths each day, we’re all in survival mode and doing the best we can to carry on. Who knows when everything will go back to normal, but I hope that everyone continues to wear their masks in public and practice social distancing.
GRATITUDE TOWARDS ALL ESSENTIAL WORKERS
First and foremost, I’d like to thank all essential workers which include frontline workers, healthcare providers, first responders, drivers, store clerks, restaurant staff, public officials, and many more. You’ve all been working hard to provide us with adequate healthcare, food, and other essentials to keep us going amidst the chaos. I know you’d much rather be at home, so thank you for keeping us all safe and healthy. #StrongerTogether
BLACK LIVES MATTER MOVEMENT
During these unprecedented times, it hasn’t been easy for any of us. George Floyd’s death among many other racist cases has been brought into the spotlight. Systemic racism and police brutality amongst the black community is heightened now more than ever before. To my black brothers and sisters, I stand with you as an ally.
I’ve been educating myself on the #BlackLivesMatter movement, signing petitions, sharing resources, and initiating difficult conversations starting with my parents. I am unlearning my own biases and learning a lot, doing the best I can with what I know. Now, I am doing my part by speaking up.
For those of you who feel incompetent and are afraid of saying the wrong things—I understand this. But remember this is a human rights inequality that’s bigger than yourself. Ever fear for your own life because of your race? Ever fear being pulled over by the police because of your race? If the answer is no, then you are more privileged than you think. Process the information and take action at your own pace. Even as the protest dies down, we need to continue to educate ourselves and do our part as an ally.
MENTAL HEALTH & THERAPY
2020 started so well for me until the pandemic happened. The entire situation has brought out the best and worst in me. Over the last couple of months, I was emotionally unstable and restless at night. Some days were better than others but with all the time spent at home, it doesn’t take a lot to spiral into negativity.
For the safety of myself and others around me, I’ve barely stepped outside aside from taking walks around the neighbourhood. I experienced loneliness and grieved over the loss of freedom and my lifestyle prior. If you also felt this way, you’re not alone and you shouldn’t feel any shame or guilt. To help cope with my struggles, I worked with a therapist using BetterHelp, the largest online counseling platform. Understand that it’s okay to seek professional help if you need it and that your feelings are valid. (Click here for free mental health resources.)
I’m doing a lot better now as I’ve accepted that this is the “new normal” and have adjusted to all the changes surrounding my home, work, and lifestyle. I’ve been extremely grateful to be safe and healthy at home, maintaining a stable job and an additional side hustle, spending quality time with family, catching up with friends around the world, and even having my own quality downtime.
HEALING FROM WITHIN
A lot of triggers and emotional wounds from the past have resurfaced during this time. I knew I had to do the work to heal from within. But what I learned was that healing is an ongoing process and it’s hella messy. There are always new layers to uncover. This isn’t just a transformative period for the world at large, but myself internally. I’m taking care of myself in ways that I’ve never had before. I’m more curious and open-minded about the world around me and have matured a lot too. Goes to show that growth can happen even when your world has slowed down.
Everyday, I try to be as productive as possible as I believe this is a time I’ll never get back. That includes taking the time to relax and practice self-compassion. As someone who always has a never-ending to-do list, I’ve done everything from completing projects I’ve procrastinated on from years ago, to creating habits and consistent routines. I’ve been more diligent with my skincare regimen, working out daily, and learning to cook a lot more. I’m still struggling with having proper sleep and setting boundaries around working from home, but overall I’m proud of myself. Some days I do need to remind myself to take it easy though.
If you’re not as productive as you’d like to be, remember that we’re all undergoing a crisis so don’t be so hard on yourself. It’s okay if you’re simply just getting through the day. This is not a time to thrive, but to slow down and just be.
WORKING FROM HOME
I’m one of the lucky ones working from home. Prior to this, I’ve always complained about my 1.5-2 hour commute to work everyday and was envious of those who could work from home. My department never allowed us to work from home previously, but now we have implemented everything online. My freelance writing is remote work, but I’ve been in a huge creativity slump lately, unable to create as much content. For one company, operations have been temporarily suspended, but for the other, it has just begun. After months of struggling to stay focused and complete my copywriting course, I’m finally done. And the real work begins. I’d like to think that timing is on my side.
TO THE BEAUTIFUL SOULS IN MY LIFE
I hope that you take the time to check in on all the important people in your life. You never know how much it means to them to hear from you. Some people are quiet because they’re going through a lot and others may seem fine when they’re really not. I’ve been reaching out to a lot of people who matter to me, whether or not I've known them for years or less than that. What matters isn’t how long you’ve known someone, it’s how deeply your hearts connect.
This is also a period where I’ve come to realize all the people who truly matter. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me, just to ask, “How are you?” I appreciate you. It’s also so great to hear from people I’ve lost touch with for almost a decade, but then we’d catch up for hours on end from where we’ve last left off.
Thank you to #UWSG for the weekly video chats. I don’t know what I’d do without you ladies. Thank you to everyone who I hopped on a one-on-one phone call or video chat with—you have no idea how energized I feel after our intimate conversations. Thank you to the few who have met up with me while social distancing. I can’t wait to see you again. Thank you to my sponsor, who continues to believe in me even more than I believe in myself.
And of course, thank you to my family for everything they’ve done for me during this time. For seeing the best and worst in me, and loving me all the same. Thank you to my baby nephew, for bringing so much joy into my life. It was fun living with you and being a “part-time mom”. This is the period where I learn to love a little better because of you guys.
QUARANTINE LIFE MOVING FORWARD…
Some questions to reflect on moving forward:
What kind of person do I want to be during the quarantine period? How do I want to feel? How do I want to spend my time?
What kind of person do I want to be after the quarantine period? What changes do I want to make in my life? What parts of myself or my past do I need to heal?
Who do I want to connect with this week? Who am I excited to see after the quarantine is over?
Anyone else feels like they’re learning a lot more about themselves? A lot of my dreams and aspirations have also resurfaced. I’m excited for the change that will come when the pandemic is over. I can’t wait to embrace my family and friends and travel the world again. But for now, I’ll enjoy the process and take it one day at a time.