No one was ready to have their world turned upside down. The past few months have been devastating for not only our local communities, but the entire world. We’re now having to redefine what daily life looks like.
Shifting Our Focus
It’s no secret that the workforce took a heavy blow. Even if you kept your job, roles and responsibilities are changing to fit new needs. By keeping a close eye on the news and staying in touch with my friends and family, I’ve realized something. The people that are having the hardest time are the focusing on what they had versus what they have.
Now, I do not expect people who have lost loved ones or cannot pay bills to leave all of their worries behind, but I am an advocate to knowing when to open yours eyes and see the light in a situation. I lost my job in April due to COVID. When it hit me that I would be waking up every day (for who knows how long) without anywhere to be, I began to think about what I felt passionate about and ways I could spend my spare time. It was right then and there, I decided to start this blog.
Reasons I’m Hopeful
I find so much joy in writing for my blog. I’ve redefined my daily routine which now includes plenty of blogging amongst other things. Here are some important things that have helped me stay positive during COVID:
- People are willing to help each other. Even more now than ever. It may feel like it’s an everyone-for-themselves scenario, but I’ve found that’s not the case. If you lost your job, reach out to HR to see what financial help you can apply for. When you are lonely, call a friend or family member. If you are overcome with anxiety or depression, try connecting with a specialist. Even though we may be confined to our homes, support is just a call away and people are there to help.
- We are given the opportunity to discover new interests. I’ve reached the point in quarantine where I need to tell myself to take it easy. Between launching a blog, taking up long boarding, reading and meditating, I’ve nearly overwhelmed myself with new hobbies. Don’t overdo it like me, but by putting some time into thinking about your interests, you could spark up a new interest or talent that you wouldn’t have otherwise discovered or indulged in.
- Life is precious. The virus has brought some harsh realities to the surface. For one, I’m realizing how much we take things for granted. Things like traveling or spending time with friends have ceased to exist in the new world we’re being forced to live in. Although I’m deprived of these things now, I will cherish them even more once we are able to safely leave our homes again.
Life Beyond COVID-19
There will be days where positivity is impossible to find. That’s ok. Acknowledge the feeling and give yourself some time to process why you’re feeling the way you are. Maybe you need a few hours, a few days, or even a few months to process what you are going through, but at the end of the day, only you have the ability to pick yourself up again. Remind yourself to spend time recognizing the things that bring you joy. There’s always something to be thankful for.
There’s a beginning and an end to everything. I’ve seen forces uniting like I never have before during this time. As horrifying as the Coronavirus has been, I believe we will come out on the other side as a more loving and positive community.
