A few weeks ago, I was supposed to be in New York City with one of my close friends. We had a trip planned to celebrate my 30th birthday. We also had plans to be at a fashion show before we were off. I also had pending plans for a trip to Santorini, Greece later this year too. Then suddenly, everything changed. My way of living, working, chillin’, exercising, and even attending church has all changed. The cause?
Coronavirus (COVID-19).
I’d heard different things via the world news, social media, and amongst family, friends, and co-workers. And honestly? At one point, I got annoyed. I was tired of people smearing their negativity, whining, complaining, fears, worries, jokes, memes, and anxiety my way and everywhere else. I even went on a temporary social media sabbatical because it was becoming too much. It’s not that I haven’t been taking what’s happening seriously, but when things first started, I was totally chill – until a ton of people I knew started acting extra. I also grew unsettled by the sudden emergence of people stocking up on ridiculous amounts of toilet paper (or posting and complaining about the lack of it) and other supplies. And amid all the cancelled music festivals, sporting events, closed venues, schools, stores, negative projections, news reports, illnesses, deaths, and uncertainty, my spirit got heavy. I almost lost sight of what’s good.
Since this virus has spread, I’ve experienced some cool things and even managed to accomplish some goals I set for myself. I paid off my final credit card, my credit score went up, and I’m getting closer to becoming a debt-free woman #financialfreedom. A new writing piece I submitted got published on Thought Catalog. I celebrated my 30th birthday. And I still intend to do fun things this month and reschedule my trips and other things too once the coast is clear. I’ve also been able to work from home. This has been an adjustment, but it also means I’m closer to coffee refills -- compliments of working in a loft with easy access to the kitchen. And additionally, it includes no morning commute (which saves on gas), not having to go in and out of the office, and I get to work in a quiet and cubicle-free workspace of my own. The gym I go to is closed, but I still get to work out at home and do more yoga too. I also get to check in more with my family and friends. I get to focus more on my writing. Get chores done. And slow down, be still, and know that this is all seasonal and will eventually pass. This too shall pass. There’s still a lot to look forward to.
What we’ve all known as “normal” has been temporarily disrupted, however, we can still see the good and share it.