Lessons learned during the pandemic
It certainly has been a long six months. In my usual Polyanna fashion, I like to look at the positive aspects of that time. I must say, I have learned a few things.
First and foremost, I have added a new accessory to my wardrobe. I now have masks in multiple colors and styles. I can coordinate my outfits with my masks, I can support my favorite teams, I can highlight my love of animals, all by my choice of mask. I’ve learned to get creative.
For me, it is not a question of if I will wear a mask, but rather, which of my masks to choose for any given day. Just one more accessory to colorize my wardrobe.
Speaking of masks, they have made getting ready for work in the mornings so much simpler! My face is only visible from the eyes up, ergo I do not have to worry about makeup south of my line of vision. I do believe a mask is the greatest concealer ever invented. I save a fortune on lipstick.
Since I work in health care, I am now aware that during the course of the day, I am exposed to lots of germs. This is not just at work, but at the grocery store, the gas station, the bank, etc. Germs abound.
I have adopted healthier habits that I believe will continue into “normal” life, if that ever resumes. I now have a supply of gloves and hand sanitizer in my car and my purse, and I am ready at all times.
At the end of the day, I take a nice refreshing shower, washing away the outside world. This has many benefits. A nice hot evening shower is relaxing, gives me time to decompress from the day’s events, to collect my thoughts, and it leaves me feeling renewed. We all need quiet time and for me, this is my quiet time.
Another benefit to nighttime showers is that my morning routine, which once took the better part of an hour, minimum, is now greatly reduced. No morning shower and not much in the way of makeup all leads to extra time in the mornings to relax, play with my dog and get to work on time. All three of those things are of equal importance in my world.
I’ve learned introspection: the ability to sit quietly and ponder during the abundance of alone time over these past six weeks. Initially, I created a mental to-do list and thought about all I could accomplish in this newly found, mandated spare time.
I quickly realized that it does not work that way. I learned to let myself feel the emotions of these times. Each day is different. Some days I feel like becoming a couch potato for the entire day. Some days I want to take on every garden on my property. Some days I’m in between.
I have learned that it’s OK to be any of the above, to go with the flow. By sitting all day, I do a lot of thinking, I catch up with my emotions and even get inspired to write. Not a bad thing.
I have most definitely learned acceptance. I cannot change the global situation. I cannot cure COVID-19. (Oh, how I wish I could!) But I can do my part to work towards a better world. Dare I say it? Yes.
I will wear my mask to protect others. Each of you. And I will hope that you will do the same to keep me safe. I have accepted that this is the responsible thing to do. I have learned to adapt to this new fashion statement.
I think the most important lesson that I have learned is appreciation. For over four months, I did not see any family members in person. Sure, video chats are great, as are texts and social media. But none of that replaces a hug. I am blessed that I was quarantined with my husband, and we have always made the most of difficult situations along our journey together.
But this one — this ongoing COVID speed bump in that journey — has been one of our biggest challenges. The hugs of my grandchildren were sorely missed. Once the world opened up just a bit and we were able to get together, it was they who ran to me for that first hug. Obviously, the children felt it, too. Another lesson learned. Remember,
they too are coping with difficult new normals.
So, though we are still dealing with COVID, still wearing masks and gloves, bear in mind that this too shall pass. Thought I’m still being abundantly careful, I am grateful for the lessons learned. I won’t soon forget them.