Quarantine Life Part 3: Embracing Change

I understand that people need things to return to normal. Keep in mind our previous way of life wasn't all that glamorous. We worked long hours, hardly spent time with family, gave away our dreams, and for some trying to keep up with the Joneses. This quarantine time has been very reflective for me, reflecting on my life pre-COVID to now. I don't want things to go back to how they were. Yes, I'm looking forward to getting back outside, but I want things to be different. In the coming paragraphs, I'm going to discuss why change after the COVID pandemic is a good thing and what I expect to change. With the current reset, we've now is the perfect time to examine our lives to see what changes we can make for the better. 

Family Time

I'm close to my family, but if I'm honest, we could be spending more time together. I can't remember the last time I've spoken to my family this much. We've been reaching out more via phone calls and video chats. We even made plans to do more traveling and spend more time together very soon. This ordeal made us realize now more than ever the importance of family. Having loved ones who genuinely care for you is so amazing. You have to embrace and cherish those moments. Anytime that we get to spend together is a blessing that we mustn't take for granted. Life is fleeting, and this quarantine is proving that every day. Live in the moment for as long as you can and let go of unnecessary baggage. Move forward in love is the best option and provides a more fulfilling life. 

Work/Life Balance

Before COVID, I was working a lot. Not as much as I've been in the past but enough to interfere with my life. Cue in traveling, which helped to break up the tedious daily routine. I would have fun while enjoying a break from work. Now during this quarantine, I've had time to reflect on the things that matter in this world. Honestly, work is not as important as your life. Anyone working until oblivion makes no sense, especially since these companies will replace you in a heartbeat. Supporting yourself and your family is critical, but there needs to be a balance. Take those vacations, sick, and personal days. Work will be there once you return. Burning yourself out will only cause resentment, depression, and anger into your life. You don't want to look back on what you should've done. There are no do-overs in life, so it's best to live it to the fullest. 

Dream Chaser

I've wanted to be a writer for as long as I could remember. Unfortunately, I didn't follow my heart as I believed that I could never make a living doing what I loved. Instead, I took up a more practical skill to make an honest living. The projections that others put on you is more of a reflection of themselves than you. I wish I would've listened and followed my gut instinct years ago. My regret as far as writing goes is that I should've started sooner. Anyway, it's better late than never. I'm telling you that narrative as an example to chase your dreams. Sure, people will think you're out of your mind, but so what? Do you want to look back on your life and wish, or do you want to live for you now? That's your only option as you can't go after your dreams and please people. If people are going to be mad, at least be winning at your goals. During this quarantine, you see how quickly things can change in a matter of minutes. Chase your dreams with the highest amount of urgency and give people something to discuss. 

Love Unapologetically

One thing that saddens me during this time is the lack of empathy for others. I hear people say I don't know anyone impacted, so the virus isn't that serious. That is beyond disrespectful to the men and women who risk their lives daily as essential employees. I know four people who suffered from COVID, and one person still battling it. I never thought I would live in a world where this would be the norm. As a human being, you need to show compassion to others. You are blessed not to know anyone personally, but don't be miserable about it to others. Also, let's please learn to celebrate someone else's successes. The number of negative responses I see regarding someone saying they purchased a new home, a new promotion, etc. is unwarranted. Have some of you lost your humanity? That's why things aren't going right for you because you can't be happy for others. When someone is in their winning season, cheer them on. I'm sure you want the same thing when it's your turn. Learn to be happy for others and watch how you become blessed—being mean spirited blocks your happiness every time. Don't be afraid to give and spread love. Love is something that we all can't get enough of, and it's best when shared among many people. 

That concludes the last part of my quarantine life series. I hope you all enjoyed reading as much as I had fun writing it. I understand how easy it is to look at this from a negative vantage point. My intention with creating this series was to show the positive aspects during the quarantine life. This reset button, as I like to call it, allows us to reevaluate our lives for the better. I understand the difficulties many are facing, and I pray that things turn around very soon. I hope that this series gave you some solace of better days ahead. If I learned anything, it's that perception is everything. If I perceive it isn't good, then it is. However, if I believe things are lovely, then they are. As the old saying goes, perception is reality. It's up to you which reality you want to represent you.