How Quarantine Has Positively Impacted My Life

It's truly beyond my comprehension how we've been living in quarantine for six weeks now. I've had my good days and my bad days, and usually by 5pm I'm ready for a glass of wine. I've struggled with the longevity of this whole thing, and the fact that even when this whole thing ends, everything will be different - even now, I feel different just going out for a drive or for a run.

I brought these feelings up with my therapist (who I met via Zoom call on Wednesday) and he acknowledged that all of these feelings are completely valid and normal. Hell, we are in a pandemic he reminded me, this isn't anything to take lightly.

However, he also reminded me that this is temporary. That even if this lasts several more months, or even a year, that this time will end. He then asked me, "What will you want to have done with that time?" It's a big question, and everyone's answer will be different. As my days fill up with childcare and exhaustion, I find inspiration in my work and productivity. I know that by doing these things, I will be a better mom and wife. That's how I want to use this time - to not let this break me, but let it build me! I want to look back and say that my business thrived. That my creativity proved to be my saving grace. That I was able to accomplish things and allow that success to give me time with my family where I can feel at peace. It's all interconnected - my career, my family, my marriage, my happiness.

After our chat, I sat back and realized that even now, just six weeks in to this infinite quarantine, I've gained more than I would have had the world remained the same.

Creativity

I've spent the last few weeks creating a course for folks on how to start an online business. I've been inspired by the many businesses who have pivoted during this crazy time and figured that my skillset can certainly help. This project has given me so much purpose! I get excited to work on it and cannot wait to launch it and teach people how to make money from their own home.

I think it's also super cool how so many businesses have gotten creative in their marketing, their services and their processes. It just goes to show that we don't have to get pulled down by the usual corporate bullshit that you see go on a lot of the time. The fact that these companies have launched these things in a matter of weeks in a true testament to innovation and creativity!

Additionally, we've gotten creative with our learning, our communication, our exercising. It's quite inspiring, truly, and it keeps me wanting to create more!

Connection

My family and I have been having weekly trivia nights via Zoom, something that was born out of this quarantine! I keep in touch with my family pretty regularly, but we never get us all together on a weekly basis! It's so nice to connect with everyone and play a silly game. I see so many other families doing similar things and it's just so special, and truly something that would not have happened had this virus not taken over our world.

Activity

I've prioritized my physical health since day one of quarantine simply because it's so good for my mental health. I have spent every single day moving for at least thirty minutes each day, many days more than that. First of all, it's a great reason to get out of the house and get some alone time. Secondly, I've never consistently worked out like this in so long and I can see the changes in my body. Third, it's great for my mind.

My sisters and I have also encouraged each other to continue through a 30 day yoga program, and I gotta tell you, if there's one activity you should be doing right now, it's yoga. The benefits for both your mind and body are unbelieveable. It's one of those things I can look back on and say "yeah I completed a 30-day yoga challenge during quarantine" and that's pretty cool.

Communication

Being locked in a house with two small kids will absolutely cause strain on any relationship. However, David and I have gained a lot of respect for one another through this whole thing and have been working like a team like never before. Our communication as a couple is at an all-time high. Maybe because we only have one another, but for whatever the reason is, I like it.

Health

Hate to admit this, but it took a pandemic for me to start paying attention to the things that we bring into our house, how often we are deep-cleaning things, and how we maintain our household. It's not that we are slobs or anything, but I can say that I'm certainly paying much better attention nowadays. It's also made me pay attention to the ingredients in a lot of the things we eat and also the things we use to clean with. I've switched to a lot of natural cleaning products and it makes me feel like I'm being a good mom :) . However, I did deep clean my washing machine last week and for that I used good ole bleach!

I want to note that this post isn't meant to overwhelm anyone. Remember, this time will be different for everyone. But in a time where I was desperately looking for a light at the end of the tunnel, I found that a change in perspective has certainly helped! If, for you, this time is meant to be spent relaxing and doing absolutely nothing, do that. Do what you need! At the end of this, we will all just want to be able to say we got through it!