The COVID-19 Life

Many people are sick and those that aren’t sick are worried they will be soon. As if the coronavirus itself isn’t enough to worry about, millions of people have lost their jobs. The stock market looks like a roller coaster. Oil and gas are tanking, as well as tourism and entertainment industries with airlines, amusement parks, and cruise lines furloughing their employees or laying them off completely. Local businesses and restaurants are taking a hit as well. Fortunately, restaurants that are able to deliver or offer curbside/drive through are able to operate.  Grocery store employees are working around the clock to keep shelves stocked with essential items. Healthcare workers and first responders are placing themselves in harms way daily to take care of those that are ill and sadly, many are working without proper protective equipment like gloves and masks.

My life at home has changed greatly as well. My husband and I have been working from home for a month, which is so bizarre for us. Those with corporate jobs may be more use to this routine, but since Robert and I work for a school district, working from home has never been an option. We are both quite techy and were already setup to be able to work from home, nevertheless, waking up, making breakfast, and heading upstairs to talk with our coworkers on Microsoft Teams in our pajamas is a much different routine.

The other day, after hearing that our work would be closed for another few weeks, Robert and I took our dogs for an evening walk to get out of the house and enjoy the cool weather. We talked about how strange the whole experience was and how so much has changed in such a short time. While on our walk we were amazed by the brilliant sunset and the incredible quietness that surrounded us.

Without all the traffic that comes from people’s daily commutes or frequent trips to the nearby shops and restaurants, it was starkly quiet. In that moment I was overwhelmed by how huge was COVID-19’s impact. I wanted to reach out to my friends and family, anybody, just to talk about what we were experiencing, but I quickly realized as soon as I had the thought, everyone was going through the same thing, EVERYONE in the entire world was experiencing the exact same thing. How insane is that? COVID-19’s impact is truly vast and all encompassing. When in history has anything happened like this? I’ve asked my parents and grandparents and they all respond similarly, “Never in my life, have I experienced something so monumental and strange.”

In my daily life, I’ve noticed my need for organization, routine, and cleanliness has increased and become even more important. Since my daily routine has been completely turned upside down establishing a schedule is absolutely necessary. I’ve noticed I can’t focus clearly until my bed is made or the dishes are done.

I’ve started baking more and more. It’s probably a coping mechanism to make me feel comforted when the world feels like it’s going crazy. I’ve made some amazing blueberry muffins and banana bread. Baking is doing wonders for my mood, probably not the best thing for my waist. Good thing I have been going on more walks!

Amidst all this change, chaos, worry, and upheaval, there are good things to come out of this too. I have seen an outpouring of kindness, generosity, and love. Teachers are conducting drive by parades to show their student how much they miss them. This happened in my neighborhood, and though I do not have any kids, I was deeply moved by their display. The teachers came through the neighborhood with sweet messages, like “We miss you!”, “You are loved”, and “We are thinking about you” written on their cars all while honking their horns and smiling. How adorable is that?

I love how hope and positivity is taking over social media, like John Krasinski’s Some Good News YouTube Channel. Each new video brings so much light and joy into the media world that is otherwise dominated by sadness and worry. If you haven’t seen these videos, you must!

I’ve been very moved by how much people care for one another, how much we’ve realized we need one another.  More and more people are taking to social media and video conferencing, like Zoom, to just see each other’s face and talk. Google has a plugin that allows people to have a Netflix Party, which allows people to watch the same show simultaneously and chat. How sweet is that? Just last week, my friends and I had virtual happy hour. It was so much fun! I think we can easily take our relationships for granted, but as we are no longer able to be with friends and family, it shows us just how meaningful and important those people are to us.

This is going to sound crazy, but I feel like I might be the only one in the whole world who doesn’t hate staying at home. I’m constantly hearing and reading about people who are fed up staying at home and not being able to see their friends and coworkers. Everyone is clamoring to get out of their homes and I’m surprisingly, content. While I do miss people, I also realize that this has never happened and hopefully, will never happen again. So with that in mind, I want to be in this moment. I want to be present and mindful. I want to take the time to be still, to reflect, to take the time to read, do yoga, take a long walk, take a nap, play board games, and cherish the stillness with my husband. Life is usually a beautiful mix of fun times and rushed, hurried schedules with quiet moments overlooked, but now we are forced to acknowledge the quiet and stillness. It’s incredibly peaceful.

I sincerely hope this crisis will be over soon and that we can return to normal, hopefully retaining our desire for connection, kindness, and positivity. What a great new world that would be if we continued to focus on things that draw us together instead of the issues that drive us apart.

How are you coping with the time at home? Are you struggling with loneliness? How has your world changed during this time? Have you tried any new workout routines, new recipes, have you gotten hooked on a new Netflix/TV series or new book? Are you like me and can’t stop watching your favorite YouTube vloggers? Please let me know how you are doing.