The Corona Virus has taken over the world, and there’s no telling when everything will return to how it was before. It’s a shock for everybody when the Lockdown initiated, having people to Shelter in Place to avoid further spreading of the virus. Even with such measures, the inevitable still took over and claimed many lives. Up to this time, COVID-19 continues to threaten many lives. Fears of rising numbers of infected people won’t settle down for a while.
Day after day, it’s reasonable to try and find out what’s happening outside, but it’s a sad reality only to find most news to be scarier and unsettling. There is just too much negativity out there. Who would want to go out and feel so threatened to catch the virus and live with such paranoia once back home? That is such an unpleasant feeling. Having to be around and exposed to so many other strangers outside, not knowing if they are carriers, gives you a doubtful mind as you head back home to your loved ones. The fear of contracting the virus and sharing it within your families and closest friends, how would you live with it?
Maybe it’s time we shift our thoughts to some positive points as this whole Shelter in Place order is still in effect. True enough that the entire idea of being kept at home 24/7 can quickly drive one person mad; it’s not easy for most. Stay-at-home parents might endure it more than others, but given the added factor of having the whole family in the entire time, day and night is another challenge. How can one work when the kids are around? Where to go for a moment of peace? Can’t talk and meet other people who can keep you sane when you’re at the edge of sanity. Indeed so many complications for one to live a balanced life. It’s not easy emotionally, mentally, and financially. What can we do?
In life, there are odds we can’t defy, like with the government order to self-quarantine and observe social distancing. It’s like the world stopped for a while; there’s nothing to do. I beg to differ, though. Come to think of it, how busy have you been all these past months? Did you get any break at all and had the chance to see your kids and spouse or the rest of the family, spent quality time with them? When did you get the opportunity to work in your pajamas? Or not care about rushing out to reach your office and get started with work? How about sleeping in for few more minutes or even an extra hour of your usual dash and go routine? Have you ever wished to slow down sometime?
Now is the time to appreciate some other things in life. It might be full of uncertainties at the moment, but we are still alive and healthy in our homes. Some people may be lucky enough to be able to work from home while others may be unfortunate to have lost their jobs. Don’t get me wrong thinking I’m easy going and have no care or worries, happily typing away and expressing my thoughts. So much negativity outside for me to ponder on how worse life can be, I wish to uplift some people who could appreciate this simple article. I respect the fears, doubts, heartaches, and troubles others are having during this hard time, but at the same time, I value this time that I get to be with my family in a slower-paced world. It’s like a rat race out there, we’re on non-stop clockwork and exhausted at the end of the day.
Now is a legitimate time to slow down, even to try. Spend a little bit more time with your kids. Call your faraway families and close friends. Take leisurely walks outdoors without bumping shoulders with the crowd. Enjoy the sunshine that you never get to feel on your skin when your “normal” life kept you caged in the workplace. Just like the old saying goes, “Stop to smell the roses.” Don’t rush and be in a hurry; things will (soon) go back to the “old” normal. Take this time to appreciate life, and those blessings we failed to see when we were busy with activities—running in and out of our homes. As depressing as it is to see all negative news hearing people severely sick and dying, a ray of positivity can uplift the spirits of those essential people dedicating their lives out there.