We are on day 17845790 of quarantine- or at least that’s what it feels like.
I almost feel like we are starting to settle into a new routine or at least getting used to being home 24/7. And I gotta tell you- I’m not ready for it to end. Do I wish I could see my friends & family…yes. But am I dying to get back to the ways things were…no.
I no longer want to live a life filled with missed moments. A life where you are constantly over scheduling yourself and spreading yourself thin. Life doesn’t have to be working behind a desk for 9 hours, come home, eat dinner & go to bed. That’s not living. So that is what I mean by not wanting life to go back to normal. I want a more well rounded life, filled with fun moments with friends, hard work that I directly benefit from & time to just simply be still.
As Connecticut slowly opens back up this week, I have to say I am not jumping for joy. I’d rather let others go out & be guinea pigs first basically. I’m also skeptical because I’ve seen how SO many people are not following social distancing rules. Quite frankly, it’s dissapointing to see how many people think they are above this virus. So until it’s all clear, I will be staying my ass at home.
Some other takeaways from quarantine are:
You do not have to do ALL the things.
In fact, you do not have to be productive at all. Sometimes being productive can mean staying in bed all day reading. Or bingeing on a new Netflix show. Self care is being productive. We are all processing this crisis differently & you have to do what works best for you. If you are the type of person who is always on the go, maybe take this time to slow down & rest.
Enjoy these moments of quiet & stillness.
Becuase we will never get them back. Quarantined with family or loved ones? Take time to just be with each other. Play games. Watch movies. Just enjoy one another before life gets hectic again. If you are alone during this time, maybe take this time to self reflect & do some inner work. Connect with others virtually as much as you can. Meet up with a friend for a walk (at a safe distance of course). Because when will you ever be able to take a leisurely walk in the afternoon on a random Tuesday once life starts up again.
Focus on your fitness or indulge on all the things you usually don’t.
Or do both like me. Workout if you want, but if you need a day to rest- then do that! Listen to your body. By the way, working out can mean a walk in your neighborhood or dancing in your kitchen. It doesn’t necessarily mean lighting heavy weights or taking a spin class.
Also, eat the damn cupcake. Life won’t end if you indulge. Everything in moderation of course but I am not limiting myself at all. Order the pizza or get the takeout if you want it. Life doesn’t have to be smoothies & steamed veggies all the time.
Have a cocktail for that virtual happy hour- as long as it’s coming from a positive place.
If you are gravitating to alcohol for the wrong reasons, then don’t do it. If quarantine is making you feel depressed or anxious, having a cocktail will only make it worse. If you want to have a drink & it’s coming from a place of joy, then do it.
Every Sunday, Alex & I play beer pong. We have this game called Fear Pong that we play (basically beer pong with dares) & it’s just fun. We are spending time together, being silly with these dares & enjoy a few beers if it’s nice out. But it’s coming from a place of fun & we know when to stop. It gets us outside & away from the TV.
Don’t compare your quarantine to anyone else.
Everyone is handling this pandemic differently. No one is right or wrong. Do not compare yourself to others period. If your bestie is working out 24/7 & cooking every day- it doesn’t mean you have to do the same. Do what makes you happy & what’s best for you. Only focus on your own joy right now.
Bottom line- enjoy this quarantine while it lasts (who knows how long that will be). Do what feels right for you & your family and don’t let anyone tell you anything different. I hope everyone continues to be safe! And wear your damn mask!!
